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15  JUNK  1910 


THE 


REV.  JOHN  NEWTON, 


LATE 


RECTOR  OF  THE  UNITED  PARISHES 

©F 

ST.  MARY  WOOLNOTH  AND  ST.  MARY  WOOLCHURCH  HAW, 

Hontron. 


FROM    THte    LAST    LONDON    EDITION, 
PUBLISHED  BY  DIRECTION  OF  HIS  EXECUTORS. 


IN  FOUR  VOLUMES. 
VOL.  IL 


NEW-HAVEN: 
PRINTED  A>D  PUBLISHED  BY  NAITIAN  WHITI>G 

1824. 


rf:.E  NEW  YORK 

PUBLIC  LIBRARY 


S  '>  ^"^    t 


■:>  '.3 


ASTOR,  LENOX  AND 

TtLDEN  FOUNDATIONS. 

R  1911  I- 


CONTENTS 

OF  VOLUME  II. 


SIX  DISCOURSES,  (OR  SERMOJVS.)  ^S  IJVTE^J'DED  FOR 
THE  PULPIT. 

SERMON  I. 
On  the  Deceitfulness  of  the  Heart. 

Jer.  xvii.9,  10.  Page. 

The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  desperately  wicked  ;  who  can  know  it  ?  I 
the  Lord  search  the  heart,  I  try  the  reins,  even  to  give  every  man  according  to  his 
ways,  and  according  to  the  fruit  of  his  doings.  .  .  -.  .         .        15 

SERMON  II. 
On  the  Saviour,  and  his  Salvation. 

1  Tim.  i.  15. 
This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Jesus  Christ  came  into 
the  world  to  save  sinners,  of  whom  I  am  chief.  .  ...  26 

SERMON  III. 
On  the  Christian  Name. 

Acts  xi.  26. 
■  And  the  disciples  were  called  Christians  first  at  Antiocb.  .  .  ,  35 

SERMON  IV. 
On  all  Things  being  given  us  with  Christ. 

Rom.  viii.  32. 
He  that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all,  how  shall  he  not 
with  him  also  freely  give  us  all  things  ?  .  .  .  .     ,       45 

SERMON  V. 
On  searching  the  Scriptures. 

John  v.  39. 
Search  the  Scriptures,  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have  eternal  life ;  and  they  are  they 
which  testify  of  me.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .55 

SERMON  VI. 

The  same  subject  continued.  ......  .67 


TWEJSTTY  SERMONS  PREACHED  IN  THE  PARISH  CHURCH 

OF  OLNEY. 

SERMON  I. 

The  small  success  of  the  Gospel  Ministry  considered. 

Matt.  xi.  25. 
At  that  time  Jesus  answered  and  said,  1  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the  wise  and  prHdent,  and  hsst  re- 
vealed them  wnto  babes.  .  ^\ 


4  CONTENTS. 

SERMON  ir. 
In  what  Sense  the  Mysteries  of  the  Gospel  are  hid  from  many. 

Matt.  xi.  25.  Page 

At  that  time  Jesus  answered  aaci  said,  I  tliaiik  tiiee,  O  Fatlier,  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  tliese  things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  re- 
vealed them  unto  babes.  .  .  .  .         .       88 

SERMON  III. 
The  Characters  of  those  from  tvhom  the  Gospel  Doctrines  are  hid. 

Matt.  xi.  25. 
At  that  time  Jesus  answered  and  said,  I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  re- 
vealed them  unto  babes.  ....  .  ...        9b 

SERMON  IV. 

The  Nature  of  Spiritual  Revelation,  and  who  are  favoured  loith  it. 

Matt.  xi.  25. 
At  that  time  Jesus  answered  and  said,  I  thank  thee,  O  Father,   Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  re- 
vealed them  unto  babes.  .  .  .  ....  102 

SERMON  V. 
The  Sovereignty  of  Divine  Grace  asserted  and  illustrated. 

Matt.  xi.  26. 
Even  so,  Father  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy  sight.  ....  110 

SERMON  VI. 

Of  the  Person  of  Christ. 
Matt.  xi.  27. 
All  things  are  delivered  unto  me  of  my  Father  :  and  no  man  knoweth  the  Son,  but 
the  Father  ;  neither  knoweth  any  man  the  Father,  save  the  Son,  and  he  to  whom- 
soever the  Son  will  reveal  him.  .  ...        11' 

SERMON  VII. 
Of  the  Authority  of  Christ. 

Matt.  xi.  27. 
Ail  things  are  delivered  unto  me  of  my  Father  :  and  no  man  knoweth  the  Son,  but 
the  Father  ;  neither  knoweth  any  man  the  Father,  save  the  Son,  and  lie  to  whom- 
soever the  Son  will  reveal  him.  .  .  ...  .  125 

SERMON  VIII. 

Tlie  Glory  and  Grace  of  God  revealed  in  Jesus  Christ. 

Matt.  xi.  27. 
All  things  are  delivered  unto   me  of  ray  Father  :  and  no  man  knoweth  the  Son,  bur 
the  Father ;  neither  knoweth  any  man  the  Father,  save  the  Son,  and  he  to  whoni- 
.  soever  the  Son  will  reveal  him.  .....  13- 

SERMON  IX. 

Labouring  and  heavy  laden  Sinners  described. 

Matt.  xi.  28. 

Qome  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour,  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest.  139 

SERMON  X. 

Of  coming  to  Christ. 

Matt.xi.  28. 

Come  unto  me,  all  yc  that  labour,  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  1  will  give  you  rest.  146 


Contents.  5 

SERMON  XL 
The  present  and  future  Rest  of  Believers  in  Christ. 

Mall.  xi.  28.  Page. 

Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour,  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  yeu  rest.  153 

SERMON  XII. 
Of  the  Yoke  of  Christ. 

Matt,  xi.29. 

Take  my  yoke  upon  you,  and  learn  of  me;  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart;  and 
ye  shall  tind  rest  unto  your  souls.  ......  160' 

SERMON  XIII. 

The  Service  of  Christ  easy  and  pleasant  to  his  People. 

Matt.  xi.  30. 
For  my  yoke  is  easy,  and  my  burden  is  light.  .....  167 

SERMON  XIV. 
Believers  cautioned  against  Misconduct  in  their  Profession. 

Rom.  xiv.  16. 
Let  not  thea  your  good  be  evil  spoken  of.  ,  .  ,  .  .  174 

SERMON  XV. 
The  Extent  and  Sanction  of  the  Third  Commandment. 

Exod.  XX.  7. 

Thou  shall  nol  lake  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain ;  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold 
liim  guiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in  vain.  ....  .  .        183 

SERMON  XVI. 
The  Christian  Life  compared  to  a  Race. 

1  Cor  is.  24. 
So  run  tkat  ye  may  obtain.  .....  191 

SERMON  XVn. 

No  Access  to  God  but  by  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 

Micahvi.6,7,  8. 

Wherewith  shall  I  come  before  the  Lord,  and  bow  myself  before  the  high  God  .■' 
Shall  I  come  before  him  with  burnt  offerings,  with  calves  of  a  year  old  .'  Will  the 
Lord  be  pleased  with  thousands  of  rams,  or  with  ten  thousands  of  rivers  of  oil  ? 
Shall  I  give  my  first  born  for  my  transgression,  the  fruit  of  my  body  for  the  sin  of 
my  soul  ?  He  hath  showed  ihee,  O  man,  what  is  good  ;  and  what  doth  the  Lord 
require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God  193 

SERMON  XVIII. 
Of  a  Living  and  a  Dead  Faith. 

James  ii.  26. 
For  as  the  body  without  the  spirit  is  dead,  so  faith  w  ithout  works  is  dead  also  205 

SERMON  XIX. 
Guilt  removed,  and  Peace  restored. 

Psalm  li.  15. 
OLord,  open  thou  my  lips,  and  my  mouth  shall  show  forth  thy  praise.  211 

SERMON  XX. 
Of  the  Assurance  of  Faith. 

1  John,  V.  19. 
And  we  know  that  we  are  of  God.  ......  226 


b  CONTENTS. 

A  REVIEW  OF  ECCLESIASTICAL  HISTORY. 

BOOK  I. 

Of  the  First  Period  of  Christianity. 

CHAPTER  I.  Page. 

The  wisdom  and  goodness  of  God  conspicuous  in  the  period  assigned  for  Christ's 
appearance  ;  illustrated  by  a  summany  view  of  the  state  of  mankind,  before,  and  at 
the  time  of  his  birth.  .  .  .  .....  251 

CHAPTER  n. 

The  Character  and  genius  of  the  Gospel,  as  taught  and  exemplified  by  Christ.        .        259 

CHAPTER  HI. 

Concerning  the  true  ground  of  the  opposition  our  Lord  met  with  in  the  course  of  his 
ministry  ;  and  the  objections  and  artifices  his  enemies  employed  to  prejudice  the 
people  against  him,  and  prevent  the  reception  of  his  doctrine.  .  .  271 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Observations  on  the  calling  and  characters  of  our  Lord's  apostles  and  disciples  previ- 
ous te  his  ascension.  ........         282 


BOOK  II. 

Of  the  Second  Period  of  Christianity. 
CHAPTER  I. 

Of  the  progress  of  the  Gospel  from  our  Lord's  ascension  to  the  close  of  the  first  century.   299 

CHAPTER  n. 

An  essay  on  the  character  of  St.  Paul,  considered  as  an  e.semplaror  pattern  of  a  min- 
ister of  Jesus  Christ.  .....  .  385 

CHAPTER  HI. 

Of  the  irregularities  and  ofl'ences  which  appeared  in  the  apostolic  churches  401t 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Of  the  heresies  propagated  by  false  teachers  in  the  apostles'  days.  42} 


OLNEY  HYMNS. 

BOOK  L 

On  select  passages  of  Scripture,  ........         44"/ 

BOOK  n. 

On  occasional  subjects.  .....  543 

BOOK  III. 

On  the  rise,  progress,  changes,  and  comforts  of  the  spiritual  life.  .  585 

Poems'.  ...  ......  623 

Tables  to  the  Olney  Hymns 625 


TABLE 

OF 

FIRST  LINES  TO  THE  OLNEY  HYMNS. 


Page. 

A  Believer  free  from  care                 .  630 

AfHictions  do  not  come  alone       .        .  538 

AfBictions,  though  they  seem  severe  517 

A  garden  contemplation  suits           .  582 
A  glance  from  heaven  with  sweet  effect  577 

A  shelter  from  the  rain  or  wind  582 

Ah  !  what  can  I  do      .        .        .        .  587 

Alas!   Elisha's  servant  cry'd,            .  475 

Alas!  by  nature  how  deprav'd     .        .  554 

A  lion,  though  by  nature  wild           .  581 

Almighty  King!  whose  wondrous  hand  617 

Although  on  massy  pillars  built        .  570 
Amazing  grace  !  (how  sweet  the  sound)  475 

Approach,  my  soul,  the  mercy-seat  590 

As  birds  their  infant  brood  protect  495 

As  needles  point  towards  the  pole  579 

As  once  for  Jonah,  so  the  Lord         .  497 

As  parched  in  the  barren  sands            .  492 

As  some  tall  rock  amidst  the  waves  528 

As  the  serpent  rais'd  by  Moses         .  488 

As  the  sun's  enlivening  eye          .         .  572 

As  when  the  weary  trav'ller  gains  608 

A  word  from  Jesus  calms  the  sea     .  505 

A  worldling  spent  each  day         .        .  518 

Before  Elijah's  gate          .         .         .  473 

Begone  unbelief          ....  600 

Behold  the  throne  of  grace  !     .         .  469 

Beneath  the  tyrant  Satan's  yoke          .  552 

Beside  the  gospel  pool      .         .         .  522 

Bestow,  dear  Lord,  upon  our  youth  54G 
Be  still,  my  heart!  these  anxious  cares  602 

Bitter,  indeed,  the  waters  are           .  456 

Bleak  winter  is  subdu'd  at  length         .  555 

Blinded  in  youth  by  Satan's  arts       .  584 

Breathe  from  the  gentle  south,  O  Lord  589 

By  various  maxims,  forms,  and  rules  537 

By  faith  in  Christ  I  walk  with  God  449 

By  the  poor  widow's  oil  and  meal  472 

By  whom  was  David  taught        .        .  458 

Cheer  up,  my  soul,  there  is  a  mercy  seat  590 

Chief  Shepherd  of  thy  chosen  sheep  563 

Come,  my  soul,  thy  suit  prepare       .  468 

Confirm  the  hope  thy  word  allows       .  620 

Constrain'd  by  their  Lord  to  embark  524 

Could  the  creatures  help  or  ease  us  509 

Courage,  my  soul !  behold  the  prize  573 


Oarkaess  overspreads  us  here 


533 


Page. 

Day  of  judgment,  day  of  wonders !  574 

Dear  Lord  !  accept  a  sinful  heart  596 

Destruction's  dangerous  road           .  615 

Does  it  not  grief  and  wonder  move  548 

Does  the  gospel-word  proclaim     .       ,  591 

Elijah's  example  declares         .         .  471 

Elisha,  struck  with  grief  and  awe  650 

Encourag'd  by  thy  word           -        -  501 

Eusnar'd  too  long  my  heart  has  been  552 

Ere  God  had  built  the  mountains        .  482 

Far  from  the  world,  0  Lord,  I  flee  603 

Father,  forgive,  (the  Saviour  said)  520 

Fatherof  angels,  and  of  men            .  622 

Fervent  persevering  prayers        .        .  529 

Fierce  passions  discompose  the  mind  536 
Fix  my  heart  aud  eyes  on  thine  !        .611 

Forest  beasts,  that  live  by  prey         .  699 

For  mercies  countless  as  the  sands      .  481 

From  Egypt  lately  freed           .  602 

From  pole  to  pole  let  others  roam  493 

From  Sheba  a  distant  report       .        .  470 

Gladness  was  spread  through  Israel's 

host             ...  563 

Glorious  things  of  thee  are  stmken  487 

Glory  to  God  the  Father's  name     .     .  622 

God  gives  his  mercies  to  be  spent  48-1 
God  with  one   piercing  glance  looks 

through            ,            .  574 

God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way     .      .  591 

God  of  my  life,  to  thee  I  call           .  593 

Grace,  triumphant  in  the  throne  614 

Gracious  Lord,  our  children  sec  517 

Happy  are  they,  to  whom  the  Lord  562 

Hark,  my  soul !  it  is  the  Lord  526 

Hark!  how  time's  wide-sounding  bell  544 

Happy  the  birth  where  grace  presides  609 

Heal  us,  Immanuel,  here  we  are  456 

Hear  what  God  the  Lord  hath  spoken  491 

Hear  what  the  Lord,  the  great  Amci)  541 

He  who  on  earth  as  man  was  known  487 

Here  at  Bcthesda's  pool  the  poor  523 

His  master  taken  from  his  head         .  573 

Holy  Lord  God  !  I  love  ihy  truth  610 

Honour  and  happiness  unite         .         .  605 

Honey  though  the  bee  prepares        .  485 

How  blest  the  righteous  are                 .  460 


TABLE     OF     FIRST     LINES 


Page. 
How  blest  thy  creature  is,  O  God  603 

How  David,  wlien  by  sin  deceived  4G6 

How  hurtfiii  vvas  tlie  clioice  of  Lot  449 

How  kind  ihe  good  Samaritau  .         614 

How  lost  vvas  my  condition  .         .     489 

How  soon  the  bavioiir's  gracious  call  61G 
How  sweet  the  name  of  Jesus  sounds  486 
How  tedious  and  tasteless  the  hours  478 
How  welcome  to  the  saints  wlien  press'd  561 
Hungry,  and  faint,  and  poor     .         .        620 

I  am,  (saith  Christ,)  your  glorious  head  523 

I  ask'd  the  Lord  that  I  might  grow 

If  for  a  time  the  air  be  calm 

If  Paul  in  Csesar's  court  must  stand 

If  Solomon  for  wisdom  pray'd 

If  the  Lord  our  leader  be     . 

If  to  Jesus  for  relief 

Incarnate  God  the  soul  that  knows 

In  ev'ry  object  here  I  see 

In  evil  long  I  took  delight     . 

In  mercy,  not  in  wrath,  rebuke 

In  themselves  as  weak  as  worms 

In  vain  my  fancy  strives  to  paint 

Israel  in  ancient  days 

I  thirst,  but  not  as  once  1  did     . 

I  was  a  grov'ling  creature  once 

I  will  praise  thee  ev'ry  day 

I  would,  but  cannot  sing 


Jesus  Christ  the  Lord's  anointed     . 
Jesus,  to  what  didst  thou  submit 
Jesus  who  bought  us  with  his  blood 
Jesus,  whose  blood  so  freely  stream'd 
Jesus,  where'er  thy  people  meet 
Jesus  is  mine  I  I'm  now  prepar'd 
John  in  a  vision  saw  the  day     . 
Joy  is  a  fruit  that  will  not  grow     . 

Kindle,  Saviour,  in  my  heart 
kindred  in  Christ,  for  his  dear  sake 

Legion  was  mv  name  by  nature 
Let  hearts  anJ  tongues  unite 
Let  me  dwell  on  Golgotha 
Let  us  adore  the  grace  that  seeks 
Let  us  love,  and  sing,  and  wonder 
Let  worldly  minds  the  world  purstie 
Lord,  my  soul  with  pleasure  springs 
Lord,  thou  hast  won,  at  length  I  yield 

Lord,  who  hast  sufter'd  all  for  me  

Lord,  what  is  man!  extremes  how  wide  619 

Manna  to  Israel  well  supplied  -  457 

Martha  her  love  and  joy  exprcss'd  614 

Mai-y  to  her  Saviour's  tomb         .         .  52G 

ISlay  the  grace  of  Christ  our  Saviour  622 

Mercy,  O  thou  Son  of  David  !      .      .  511 

My  barns  are  full,  ray  stores  increase  516 

My  former  hopes  are  fled         .        .  588 

My  God  !  how  perfect  are  thy  ways  I  492 

My  (iod  !  till  I  receiv'd  thy  stroke  493 

My  harp  untun'd  and  laid  aside  564 

My  song  shall  bless  the  Lord  of  all  55C 

My  soul  once  had  its  plenteous  years  454 

My  soul,  this  curious  house  of  clay  573 

Mv  soul  is  beset  .  589 


600 
578 
531 
468 
452 
601 
479 
623 
566 
478 
567 
67? 
536 
609 
605 
486 
532 

499 
521 
551 
4/J2 
560 
621 
575 
476 

596 
671 

609 
560 
566 
651 
617 
609 
605 
628 
696 


Page 

593 


My  soul  is  sad  and  much  dismay 'd 


Nay,  I  cannot  let  thee  go                   .  453 

No  strength  of  nature  can  suffice  610 

No  words  can  declare      .                  .  585 

Not  to  Sinai's  dreadful  blaze                .  620 

Now,  gracious  Lord,  thine  arm  reveal  645 
Now  let  us  join  with  hearts  and  tongues  558 

Now  may  fervent  pray'r  arise           .  646 

Now  may  the  Lord  reveal  his  face  618 
Now,  Lord ,  inspire  the  preacher's  heart  620 

Now  may  he  who  from  the  dead          .  621 

Of  all  the  gifts  thine  hand  bestows  616 

Often  thy  public  means  of  grace       .  621 

Oft  as  the  bell,  with  solemn  toll           .  573 

Oft  as  the  leper's  case  I  read            .  602 

Oft  in  vain  the  voice  of  truth       .         .  545 

O  God,  whose  favourable  eye           .  612 

O  David's  Son,  and  David's  Lord  551 

O  Lord,  our  languid  souls  inspire  660 

O  Lord,  how  vile  am  I          .         .         .  688 

O  Lord,  my  best  desire  fulfil           .  597 

O  thou  at  whose  almighty  word           .  550 

O  happy  they  who  know  the  Lord  561 

O  speak  that  gracious  word  again  60G 

Oh  !  for  a  closer  \*alk  with  God  448 
Oh,  may  the  pow'r  which  melts  the  rock  569 

O  how  I  love  thy  holy  word          .         .  592 

Once  a  woman  silent  stood      .         .  513 

Once  on  a  time  a  pajjer  kite         .        .  623 

Once  perishing  in  blood  I  lay            .  494 

Once,  while  we  aim'd  at  Zion's  songs  562 

On  man,  in  his  own  image  made  447 

On  the  same  flow'r  we  often  see  580 

One  awful  word  which  Jesus  spoke  512 

One  glance  of  thine,  eternal  Lord  602 

One  there  is  above  nil  others               .  483 

Opprcss'd  with  unbelief  and  sin  534 

Our  Lord,  who  knows  full  well  51C 

Pensive,  doubting,  fearful  heart  490 

Physician  of  my  sin-sick  soul            .  502 

Pleasing  spring  again  is  hers         .  356 

Poor  Esau  repented  too  late     ,        .  451 

Poor  sinners!  little  do  they  think  496 

Poor,  weak,  and  worthless,  though  I  am  467 

Pray'r  an  answer  will  obtain             .  505 

Preachers  may,  from  Ezekiel's  case  648 

Precious  Bible  !  what  a  treasure  56S 

Prepare  a  thankful  song                    .  619 

Quiet,  Lord,  my  froward  heart         .  611 

Refreshed  by  the  bread  and  wine  567 

Rejoice,  believer,  in  the  Lord          .  610 

Remember  us,  we  pray  thee,  Lord  620 

Return  to  bless  my  waiting  eyes         .  598 

Safely  through  another  week  539 

Salvation!  what  a  glorious  |)lan           .  618 

Sav'd  by  blood,  I  li\e  to  tell          .  607 

Saviour,  shine  and  cheer  my  soul         .  477 

Saviour,  visit  thy  plantation              .  _  564 

See  Aaron,  God's  anointed  priest      '  '439 

See  !  another  year  is  gone         .         .  544 

See  how  rude  winter's  icy  hand     .      .  554( 

See  !  the  corn  again  in  ear             .  357 


TO  THE  OLNEY  HYMNS. 


bee  the  gloomj'j^atli'ring cloud        -  570 

See,  the  world  tor  youth  prepares,      -  683 

Shall  men  pretend  to  pleasure         -  .58G 

Sight,  hearing,  feeling,  taste,  and  smell  G03 

Simon,  beware  !  the  Saviour  said       -  520 

Sin,  when  view'd  l)y  Scripture-light  615 

Sinner,  art  thou  still  seeure         -         -  58G 

Sinners,  hear  the  Saviour's  call      -  587 

Sin  enslav'd  me  many  years       -        -  610 

Sin  has  undone  our  wretched  race  647 

Some  author,  (no  great  matter)  who  623 

Sometimes  a  light  surprises        -        -  604 

Son  of  God  thy  people's  shield         -  497 

Sov'reign  grace  has  pow'r  alone        -  521 

Stop,  poor  sinner,  stop  and  think  586 

Strange  and  mysterious  is  my  life         -  635 

Supported  by  the  word            -         -  496 

Sweet  was  the  lime  when  first  I  felt  476 

Sweeter  sounds  than  music  knows  557 

Ten  thousand  talents  once  I  ow'd        -  611 

That  was  a  wonder-working  word       -  575 

That  man  no  guard  or  weapon  needs  480 

The  church  a  gaiden  is            -         -  516 

The  God  who  once  to  Israel  spake  549 
The  grass,  and  flow'rs  which  clothe  the 

field              -              -            -  557 

The  Lord  our  salvation  and  light  559 

The  Spirit  breathes  upon  the  word  568 

The  gaih'rins;  clouds,  with  aspect  dark  569 

The  book  of  nature  open  lies            -  576 

The  moon  in  silver  glory  sho.ie           -  577 

The  moou  has  but  a  borrow'd  light  578 

The  ice  and  snow  we  lately  sa«  ,        -  579 

The  subtle  spider  often  weaves       -  580 

The  Saviour  calls  his  people  sheep  581 

The  water  stood  like  walls  ot  brass  582 

The  billows  swell,  llie  winds  are  iiigh  592 

The  Saviour  hides  his  face  I        -         -  595 

The  new-born  child  of  gospel  grace  612 

The  Lord  receives  his  highest  praise  613 

The  wishes  that  the  sluggard  tVames  615 

The  saints  Immanuers  portion  are  621 

The  peace  which  God  alone  reveals  622 

The  Father  we  adore  -          -            -  622 

The  castle  of  the  Iximau  heart     -        -  515 

The  evils  that  beset  our  path           -  484 

The  kine  unguided  went        -              -  465 

The  Lord  will  happiness  divine       -  490 

The  Lord  proclaims  his  grace  abroad  495 

The  lion  lliat  on  SH:nson  roar'd         -  463 

The  manna,  lavour'd  Israel's  meat  457 

The  message  first  to  Smyrna  sent  539 

'J  he  prophets'  sons,  in  limes  of  old  474 

The  Saviour !  what  a  noble  flame  565 

The  saints  should  never  be  dismay 'd  450 

The  Sliunamite,  oppress'd  with  grief  547 

The  signs  which  God  to  tlibfon  gave  4G2 

The  word  of  Christ,  our  Lord           -  537 

There  is  a  fountain  filld  with  blood  5(J0 

This  is  the  feast  of  heav'niy  wine  565 

Though  Jericho  pleasaniiy  stood       -  472 

Though  in  the  outward  church  below  6!)4 
'1  hough  cloudy  skies  and  northern  blasts  555 

Though  troubles  assail             -             -  451 

Though  the  moi  n  niiv  be  serene  556 

Vol.  II. 


Page. 
679 
593 
639 
540 
612 
553 


Though  small  the  drops  of  fallinj;  rain 
Though  sore  beset  with  guilt  and  fear 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  to  Ephesus 
Thus  saith  the  Holy  One  and  True 
Thy  mansion  is  the  Christian's  heart 
Thy  message,  by  the  preacher,  seal        ^.^.^ 
Thy  promise,  Lord,  and  thy  command    620 
""  •  •  •    ..       .  543 

544 
527 
591 
693 
614 
604 
622 
590 
613 


Time,  with  an  unwearied  hand 

Time,  by  moments,  steals  away      -     - 

'Tis  a  point  I  long  to  k  now 

'Tis  my  happiness  below 

'Tis  past,  the  dreadful  stormy  night 

To  keep  the  lamp  alive 

To  tell  the  Saviour  all  my  wants    - 

To  ihee  our  wants  are  known     - 

To  those  who  know  the  Lord  I  speak 

Too  many,  Lord,  abuse  thy  grace 


Unbelief  the  soul  dismays            -  601 

Uncertain  how  the  way  to  find        -  399 

Unless  the  Lord  had  been  my  stay  594 

Wearied  by  day  witlr  toil  and  cares  571 

We  seek  a  rest  beyond  the  skies  621 

What  a  mournful  life  is  mine            -  482 

What  coniradiclions  meet        -           -  553 

What  tliousands  never  knew  the  road  !  614 

What  think  you  of  Christ !  is  the  test  506 

What  various  hindrances  we  meet  567 

When  Adam  fell  he  tpiickly  lost         -  448 

When  first  to  make  my  heart  his  own  464 

When  first  my  soul  enlisted         -        -  466 

When  Hannah,  pres?'d  with  grief  463 

When  Jesus  claims  the  sinner's  heart  503 

When  Joseph  his  brethren  beheld  454 

When  Israel,  by  divine  command  666 
When  Israel's  tribes  were  parch'd  with 

thirst            -            -            -  533 

When  Israel  heard  the  fiery  law  459 

When  Israel  was  front  Egypt  freed  480 

When  Joshua,  by  God's  command  461 

When  Peier  boasted,  soon  he  fell  508 

When  sinner's  utier  boasting  words  600 

When  the  disciples  cross'd  the  lake  310 

When  the  apostle  wonders  wrought  631 

When  descending  from  the  sky       -  507 

Wheu  any  tarn  from  Ziou's  way         -  625 

When  the  belov'd  disciple  took       -  542 

When  Peier  through  the  tedious  night  546 

When  Moses  wav'd  his  mystic  rod  549 
When  Paul  was  parted  from  his  friends  654 

When  on  the  cross  my  Lord  1  see  563 

W  hen  llie  sun,  with  cliecrful  beams  376 

When  a  black  o'erspreading  cloud  676 

When  slumber  seals  our  weary  eyes  583 
When  d.iikness  long  has  ve!r<l  uiy  mind  694 
W  h  ju  my  pr.iy'rs  are  a  burden  and  task  693 
When  my  Saviour,  my  Shepherd,  is 

near             -             -             -  697 

When  the  poor  pris'ner  thro"  u  grate  599 

When  die  wounded  spirit  hears  607 

When  Hagar  found  the  bottle  spent  608 

"vVhile  wiih  ceaseless  course  the  sun  543 

While  Joshua  led  llie  armed  bauds  670 

While  1  lis'd  wiihoMi  ihe  Lord        -  607 


10 


TABLE    OF     FIRST    LINES, 


eic 


Why  should  I  fear  the  darkest  liour 
With  Satan,  my  accuser,  near    - 
Winter  has  a  joy  for  me 
With  Israel's  God  who  can  compare 
Write  to  Sardis,  saith  the  Lord 


Page.  1 
604 

-  498 
617 
621 
540 


Ye  saints  on  earth,  ascribe  with  heav'n's 

high  host  .  -  622 


Ye  sons  of  earth,  prepare  the  plough 
Yes!  since  God  himself  has  said  it 


Page. 
604 
606 


Zacchetis  climb'd  the  tree  -  -  519 
Zeal  is  that  pure  and  heav'nly  flame  613 
Zion  !  the  city  of  our  God        -        -      652 


SIX 


Hfsufioiwirisfsis^  0V  Mttmmni^cf 


AS  INTENDED  FOR  THE  PULPIT 


PREFACE. 


The  following  Discourses  were  drawn  up  about  twelve  months  since, 
when  1  expected  a  speedy  opportunity  of  delivering  them  from  the  pulpit. 
As  the  views  I  then  had  are  now  over-ruled,  I  take  this  method  of  laying 
them  before  the  public ;  that  those  who  have  thought  proper  to  foretell 
the  part  I  would  have  acted,  and  the  doctrine  I  would  have  taught,  if  my 
desires  had  taken  place,  may  be  either  satisfied  or  silenced. 

Yet  I  should  not  have  thought  it  worth  my  while,  to  give  either  myself 
or  others  this  trouble,  merely  for  my  own  vindication.  Attempts  of  this 
kind  usually  imply  too  much  of  a  man's  importance  to  himself,  to  be  either 
acceptable  or  successful.  Or,  at  best,  it  can  be  a  point  of  no  great  mo- 
ment to  my  real  happiness,  what  the  few  persons  to  whom  my  little  name 
is  known,  are  pleased  to  say  or  think  of  me.  Nothing  but  great  inatten- 
tion to  our  true  circumstances,  can  afford  us  leisure  either  to  censure  oth- 
ers, or  to  justify  ourselves  ;  unless  when  the  interest  of  religion  or  moral- 
ity are  evidently  concerned.  A  few  years  will  fix  and  determine  our 
characters  beyond  all  possibility  of  mistake  ;  and  till  then  it  would  be 
vain  to  hope  for  it. 

The  true  reasons,  therefore,  of  this  publication  are,  the  importance  of 
the  subjects  treated  of;  and  the  probability  that,  upon  this  occasion,  ma- 
ny persons  who  have  not  yet  considered  themi  with  the  attention  they  de- 
serve, may  be  induced,  (some  from  a  motive  of  friendship,  and  others 
from  curiosity,)  to  read  what  might  appear  in  my  name,  the  rather  for  be- 
ing mine. 

Had  I  wrote  with  a  design  to  print,  I  should  have  chose  to  put  my  sen- 
timents in  another  form  :  and  perhaps  a  desire  to  avoid  the  censure  ot 
severe  critics  would  have  made  me  more  solicitous  about  expression  and 
method.  But  as  I  profess  to  publish  not  what  I  might,  but  what  I  really 
would  have  spoken,  I  could  not  allow  myself  to  deviate  from  my  first 
draught,  except  in  a  few  places  where  I  thought  the  sense  entangled,  am- 
biguous, or  defective.  For  the  same  reason,  I  am  forced  to  decline  the 
judgment  and  correction  of  my  friends,  the  advantages  of  which,  as  well 
as  my  own  great  need  of  them,  I  have  more  than  once  experienced. 

If  there  is  found  in  some  places  a  coincidence  of  thought,  or  expres- 
sion, I  hope  it  will  be  excused  :  as  I  had  not  the  least  apprehension,  at 


14  PREFACZ. 

the  time  of  composing,  that  what  I  designed  for  distinct  and  separate  oc- 
casions, would  ever  appear  abroad  in  one  view. 

In  a  word,  so  far  as  these  essays  are  mine,  I  entreat  a  candid  perusal ; 
and  that  those  who  read  them  in  order  to  form  their  judgment  of  the  au- 
thor, do  not  make  their  estimate  from  a  sentence  here  and  there ;  but 
have  the  patience  to  read  them  throughout.  So  far  as  what  they  contain 
is  agreeable  to  Scripture,  reason,  and  experience,  an  apology  would  be 
impertinent.  In  this  case  they  deserve  attention.  Every  particle  of  truth 
is  valuable  in  itself,  by  whatever  means  or  instruments  it  may  be  convey- 
ed to  us  ;  and  like  a  torch,  displays  itself  by  its  own  light,  without  an\' 
relation  to  the  hand  that  bears  it. 

Liverpool,  January/  1,  176O 


SIX 

DISCOURSES,  OR  SERMONS. 

SERMON  I 


QIS  THE  DECEITFULNESS  OF  THE  HEART. 


Jer.  XVII.  9,  10. 

The  }vtart  is  deceitful  above  ail  things,  and  desperately  wicked :  who  can  knoic 
it')  I  the  Lord  search  the  heart,  I  try  the  reins,  even  to  give  every  man  ac- 
cording to  his  ways,  and  according  to  the  fruit  of  his  doings. 

The  prophet  Jeremiah  had  a  hard  task.  He  was  appointed 
to  inculcate  unwelcome  truths  upon  a  vain,  insensible  people. 
He  had  the  grief  to  find  all  his  expostulations  and  warnings,  his 
prayers,  and  tears,  had  no  other  effect  than  to  make  them  account 
him  their  enemy,  and  to  draw  reproach  and  persecution  upon 
himself.  He  lived  to  see  the  accomplishment  of  his  own  predic- 
tions ;  to  see  the  land  of  his  nativity  desolated,  the  city  destroy- 
ed, the  people  almost  extirpated,  and  the  few  who  remained  trans- 
ported into  a  distant  country,  to  end  their  days  in  captivity. 

Those,  who  have  resolved,  honestly  and  steadily,  to  declare  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  have,  in  all  ages,  found  a  part  of  his  trial  :  the 
message  they  have  had  to  deliver  has  been  disagreeable  and  dis- 
regarded. It  is  no  hard  matter  to  frame  discourses  that  shall 
meet  with  some  degree  of  general  approbation  ;  nor  is  it  difficult 
to  foresee  the  reception  which  plain  truth  must  often  meet  with  : 
but  those  who  undertake  a  charge  must  perform  it ;  and  ministers 
are  bound  to  declare  to  the  people  every  thing  that  regards  their 
welfare,  whether  they  will  hear,  or  whether  they  will  forbear.  If 
the  watchman  sees  the  danger  coming,  and  does  not  blow  the 
trumpet,  to  give  the  most  public  notice  possible,  he  is  answerable 
for  "all  the  evils  that  may  follow.  This  is  applied  as  a  caution  to 
the  prophet  Ezekiel ;  and,  undoubtedly,  every  one  who  adminis- 
ters in  holy  things  is  concerned  in  it.  '  So  thou,  O  son  of  man,  T 
have  set  thee  a  watchman  unto  the  house  of  Israel  ;  therefore  thou 
shalt  hear  the  word  at  my  month,  and  v.  arn  them  from  me.  A\  hen 
I  say  unto  the  wicked  man,  O  wicked  man,  thou  s'.ialt  surely  die  ; 
if  thou  dost  not  speak  to  warn  the  wicked  from  his  way,  that 
wicked  man  shall  die  in  his  iniquity,  but  his  blood  will  I  require 
at  thine  hand  ;'  E7.ek.  xx.viii.     Let  this  awful  passage  plead  our 


16  ON    THE    DECEITFULNESS  [Scr.   1. 

excuse,  it' at  any  time  we  seem  too  urgent,  or  too  plain,  in  our 
discourses.  Too  plain  or  urgent  we  cannot  be.  Our  business  is 
most  important :  opportunities  are  critical  and  precious.  It  is  at 
the  hazard  of  our  souls  if  we  speak  deceitfully  ;  and  at  the  hazard 
of  yours  if  we  speak  in  vain. 

In  the  preceding  verses  the  prophet  gives  us  a  striking  image 
of  the  opposition  between  the  righteous  and  the  wicked,  in  their 
present  state,  their  hopes,  and  their  end.  The  one  is  compared 
to  a  tree ;  the  other  to  heath  and  stubble  ;  the  one,  planted  by 
streams  of  water ;  the  other  exposed  on  the  salt  burning  desert  : 
the  one  green,  flourishing,  and  full  of  fruit ;  the  other  parched  and 
withering  :  the  hope  of  the  one  fixed  on  the  Lord,  the  all-suffi- 
cient. Almighty  God  ;  the  rash  dependence  of  the  other  on  a  frail, 
feeble  arm  of  flesh.  Suitable  to  this  difference  is  their  end  :  the 
one,  blessed,  provided  against  all  evil,  so  that  he  shall  not  be 
careful  in  the  year  of  drought ;  the  other,  cursed,  and  cut  oft'  from 
the  expectation  of  any  amendment.  '  He  shall  not  see  when  good 
Cometh.'  The  immediate  design  was,  perhaps,  to  show  the  Jews 
that  there  was  no  way  to  avert  the  judgments  of  God,  and  to 
avoid  the  impending  evils  which  threatened  them,  but  by  return- 
ing to  the  Lord,  who  had  begun  to  smite,  and  who  alone  was 
able  to  heal  them.  'But  this  they  refused.  They  preferred  their 
own  contrivances;  *  they  leaned  upon  an  arm  of  flesh  ;'  some- 
times upon  Egypt,  sometimes  upon  Assyria ;  one  while  presum- 
ing upon  force  :  another  while  upon  cunning.  They  were  fruit- 
ful in  expedients  ;  and,  when  one  broken  cistern  failed  them,  had 
recourse  to  another.  But  the  prophet  denounces  the  curse  of 
God  both  on  them  and  their  supports ;  subjoining  the  w  ords  of  my 
text ;  which  may  be  imderstood,  either  as  a  further  proof  of  what 
he  had  said,  or  an  assigned  cause  of  that  obstinacy  and  perverse- 
ness  he  had  complained  of:  'The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all 
things,  and  desperately  wicked  :  who  can  know  it  ?' 

But,  without  confining  the  words  to  the  first  occasion  of  their 
delivery,  I  shall  consider  them,  as  teaching  us  a  doctrine,  abun- 
dantly confirmed  by  many  other  passages  of  Scripture,  '  That  the 
heart  is  deceitful  and  desperately  wicked:'  which  I  shall  en- 
deavour to  illustrate  in  a  plain,  familiar  way.  I  shall,  secondly, 
from  the  next  verse,  enforce  this  observation.  That  tfie  heart  (bad 
as  it  is)  is  incessantly  under  the  divine  inspection  and  examina- 
tion: 'I  the  Jjord  search  the  heart  and  try  the  reins.'  I  shall, 
thirdly,  consider  the  issue  and  design  of  this  inquest;  that  'every 
man'  may,  in  the  end,  receive  '  according  to  his  wa}s,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  fruit  of  his  doings.'  And  may  the  Lord  enable  us 
to  try  and  examine  ourselves  here,  that  hereafter  we  maybe  found 
unblamcable,  and  without  rebuke  before  him,,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 


Ser.     1.]  OF    THE    HEART.  17 

I.  The  heart  is  here  characterized,  first,  As  deceitful,  and  that 
above  or  in  all  things  :  second,  As  desperately  wicked  :  in  so 
dangerous,  so  deplorable  a  state,  as  is  not  to  be  conceived  or 
found  out,  '  Who  can  know  it  f"  The  word  in  the  original 
[li'jx]  which  we  translate  despvraiehj  ivicked,  signifies  a  mortal, 
incurable  disease  ;  a  disease  which,  seizing  on  the  vitals,  allects 
find  threatens  the  whole  frame  ;  and  which  no  remedy  can  reach. 
This  idea  leads  us  to  that  first  transgression,  whereby  man,  de- 
parting from  God,  fatally  destroyed  his  soul's  health,  and  sunk 
into  tiiat  state  so  pathetically  described  by  Isaiah,  chap.  i. 
*  The  whole  head  is  sick  ;'  all  the  powers  of  the  understanding 
disordered  :  '  and  the  whole  heart  faint  ;'  all  the  springs  of  the 
nflcctions  enfeebled.  '  From  the  sole  of  the  foot,  even  unto  the 
head,  there  is  no  soundness,  but  wounds,  bruises,  and  putrefying 
sores  :'  the  evil  growing  worse  continually  ;  and  no  help  or  help- 
er at  hand  :  '  they  have  not  been  closed  nor  bound  up,  nor  molli- 
•  fied  with  ointment.'  In  consequence  of  this  deep-rooted  disorder, 
the  heart  is  deceitful ; — that  is,  it  deceives  and  fails  us  in  every 
instance  :  it  promises  more  than  it  can  perform  :  it  misleads  us 
with  vain  desires  ;  and  mocks  us  with  unsuccessful  efibrts  ;  like 
the  faint  attempts  of  a  sick  man  to  perform  those  actions  which 
require  a  state  of  sound  health  and  strength.  That  this  is  in- 
deed the  case,  will,  I  think,  appear  from  the  following  particu- 
lars ;  to  which  I  entreat  your  attention. 

Scripture  and  reason  do  jointly  assure  us,  that  all  we  see  is  the 
work  of  an  Almighty  Being: — the  heavens  and  the  eartii,  the 
sun,  moon,  and  stars,  and  even  the  grass  and  flowers  of  the  field, 
loudly  proclaim  the  presence,  the  power,  the  wisdom,  and  the 
goodness  of  God  ;  yet  behold  the  extreme  insensibility  of  man. 
The  wisest  of  our  species,  in  those  places  where  divine  revelation 
was  not  known,  ever  mistook  the  effect  for  the  cause  ;  and  as- 
cribed that  honour  to  the  creature  which  is  due  only  to  the  Cre- 
ator. This  was  the  very  best  of  the  case  ;  for,  in  general,  they 
sunk  still  lower,  to  worship  stocks  and  stones  ;  nay,  to  the  eter- 
nal reproach  of  the  natural  understanding  in  the  things  of  God, 
the  more  civilized  any  nation  was,  the  more  renowned  for  arts 
and  arms,  the  further  they  were  removed  from  those  they  termed 
barbarians,  so  much  the  more  vile  and  contemptible  the  idolatry 
they  established  generally  proved.  The  wisdom  of  the  Egyp- 
tians paid  divine  honours  to  cats,  monkeys,  and  the  vilest  rcp'^ 
tiles.  The  fine  taste  of  the  Greeks  consecrated  those  for  gods, 
who,  if  they  had  lived  amongst  men,  would  have  been  deemed  the 
pests  of  society  ;  gods  who  were,  professedly,  both  patterns  and 
jpatrons  of  the  most  shameful  vices.  The  prowess  of  the  Romans 
established  altars  to  fear  and  paleness.     So  deeply  were  they  in- 

VoL.  JI.  3 


18  ON     rHE    35ECEITFULNESS  [Sei*.     I. 

fatuated,  so  totally  lost  to  common  sense,  that  the  apostle  Paul't- 
worst  enemies  could  find  no  more  plausible  accusation  against 
him,  in  one  of  the  politest  cities  then  in  the  world,  than  that  he 
had  ventured  to  afiirm,  '  they  were  no  gods  who  were  made  with 
bands.' 

Thus  stood  the  case  with  Heathens ;  let  us  now  come  nearer 
home.  It  is  to  be  feared,  the  greatest  diflerence  between  them  and 
the  generality  of  us  called  Christians,  is,  that  we  do  not  partake 
in  their  gross  outivard  idolatry.  In  other  respects,  our  insensi- 
bility is,  perhaps,  as  much  greater  than  theirs,  as  our  superior 
knowledge  renders  it  more  inexcusable.  We  acknowledge  r 
God  ;  that  there  is  but  one ;  that  he  is  the  cause  of  all  things  ; 
that  in  him  we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being.  Had  the 
poor  Heathens  known  this,  we  may  judge,  by  their  application  to 
their  mistaken  worship,  it  would  have  had  some  influence  on  their 
practice.  Bat  what  numbers  of  '  us'  live  together  as  '  without 
God  in  the  world.'  I  come  not  here  to  make  invectives;  let  con- 
science judge  and  give  evidence  accordingly.  What  do  we  think 
of  the  perpetual  presence  of  God  around  us,  and  within  us  ! 
We  know  that  he  is  acquainted  with  all  our  thoughts,  words,  and 
actions  ;  yet  are  we  not  more  eflectually  restrained  and  awed  by 
the  presence  of  our  fellow-worms,  than  by  the  regard  of  that  eye 
which  is  ten  thousand  times  brighter  than  the  sun  '^  How  are  we 
affected  by  the  works  of  God  ?  Has  not  the  appearance  of  a  fine 
day,  or  the  beauty  of  an  extensive  prospect,  a  force  to  extort  a 
sense  of  satisfaction  from  every  one  ?  but  how  (e\\  are  there  of 
us  that  can  realize  and  acknowledge  the  hand  of  the  glorious  Au- 
thor of  these  things  ?  How  seldom  and  how  faintly,  do  we 
adopt  the  reflection  of  David  ?  '  When  I  consider  the  heavens, 
the  work  of  THY  fingers,  the  moon  and  the  stars  which  THOU 
hast  ordained  ;  Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  shouldst  be  mind- 
ful of  him  ?'  Ps.  viii.  What  is  our  judgment  of  the  ivord  of 
God,  that  glorious  message  of  love,  in  which  he  has  pointed  out 
to  us  the  way  of  salvation  ?  Is  not  this  book  the  least  read,  the 
least  admired,  and  the  least  understood,  of  any  .^  We  are  pre- 
sently afiected,  we  enter  with  all  our  spirit  into  the  moving  inci- 
dents (as  we  term  them)  of  a  romance  or  tragedy,  though  wt: 
know  they  are  not  founded  on  truth,  nor  have  any  relation  to 
ourselves  ;  but  we  can  read  the  history  of  Jesus  Christ,  his  life 
and  doctrines,  his  death  and  passion,  with  indillerence,  though 
we  say,  all  he  spoke,  or  did,  or  suffered,  was  for  our  sakes.  What 
are  our  thoughts  of  that  eternity,  to  which  we  are  posting,  and  to 
which,  for  aught  we  know,  a  few  hours  may  introduce  us  t  Is  ij 
not  in  the  power  (if  the  meanest  trifle  that  occurs  to  hide  this  im- 
portant point  from  our  view  ?     It  were  easy  to  multiply  narticu^ 


Ser.    1.]  OF    THE    HEART.  19 

lars ;  but  are  not  these  suflioient  to  show  the  deceitfuhiess,  the 
desperate  wickedness,  of  the  heart  ?  Let  me  add  one  more  :  the 
judgments  of  God  are  now  abroad  in  tlj«  world  for  these  things. 
We  have  warnings  all  around  us.  ^V^e  know  that  many  fruitful 
lands  in  our  neighbourhood  are,  in  a  manner,  turned  into  a  wil- 
derness for  the  sins  of  the  inhabitants.  Every  post  brings  us  ti- 
dings of  some  new  desolation,  and  we  cannot  tell  how  soon  the 
case  may  be  our  own ;  but  we  have  neither  sympathy  for  our  fel- 
low-creatures, nor  concern  for  ourselves  We  hear,  we  pity,  we 
forget  in  the  same  instant:  but  these  things  are  remote.  Is,  then, 
what  we  see  and  feel  more  laid  to  heart  ?  Our  friends  and  ac- 
quaintance are  taken  from  amongst  us  dail}'  ;  some  of  them  sud- 
denly, in  the  midst  of  their  warmest  pursuits,  or  just  upon  the  ac- 
complishment of  their  most  favourite  schemes  :  we  drop  an  un- 
meaning tear,  and  fly  to  every  officious  vanity  for  relief.  Per- 
haps we  are  visited  ourselves,  and  brought  down  to  the  borders 
of  the  grave  :  but,  even  against  this,  we  are,  for  the  most  part, 
proof;  or,  if  we  feel  a  slight  impression,  it  gradually  wears  ofl' 
with  the  disease  ;  and  we  return,  as  soon  as  we  recover,  to  our 
former  follies  with  re-doubled  ardour. 

This  is  a  slight  view  of  the  insensibility  of  the  human  heart- 
Let  us  now  consider  its  ingratitude.  The  Israelites  were  a  sam- 
ple of  all  mankind  in  this  respect.  God  visited  them,  in  Egypt, 
in  the  midst  of  their  affliction.  Without  any  application  on  their 
part,  he  undertook  and  effected  their  deliverance ;  he  brought 
them  from  among  their  enemies  '  with  a  high  hand,  and  a  stretch- 
ed-out  arm  :'  he  led  them  safely  through  the  wilderness  :  he 
screened  them,  with  a  cloud,  from  the  piercing  beams  of  the  sun  : 
he  gave  them  light  by  night,  in  a  pillar  of  fire  :  he  fed  them  with 
bread  from  heaven,  and  caused  streams  to  flow  in  the  sandy 
desert  :  he  made  a  covenant  with  them,  and  chose  them  for  his 
peculiar  people  :  he  destroyed  all  their  enemies  before  them  ; 
and,  at  length,  put  them  in  the  full  and  peaceable  possession  of  a 
land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey.  Interwoven  with  the  history 
of  God's  gracious  dealings  with  them^  we  have  an  account  of  their 
behaviour  towards  ^»n;  which  was  a  continual  series  of  rebel- 
lion, perverseness,  murmuring,  and  disobedience.  And  are  we 
better  than  the}'  ^  In  no  wise.  If  we  had  leisure  to  consider  the 
natural,  civil,  and  religious  advantages  we  enjoy  as  a  nation,  it 
would  appear  that  we,  likewise,  have  long  been  a  peculiarly  fa- 
voured people.  The  eye  of  the  Lord  our  God  has  been  upon  un 
continually  for  good  ;  and  we  have  reason  to  say,  '  He  has  not 
dealt  so  with  any  nation.'  The  history  of  all  ages  and  countries 
afibrds  us  no  instance  of  national  prosperity  that  can  be  compa- 
red, either  for  degree  Oi'  continuance,  with  what  we  have  enjoyed 


30  ON    THE    DECEITFX'LNESS  [Sei*.  1< 

since  the  Revolution  :  nor  would  it  be  easy,  I  fear,  to  find  a  par- 
allel in  any  history,  of  our  great  ingratitude.  What  I  have  said 
in  the  former  article  will  necessarily  infer  this  :  for  it  is  impossi- 
ble that  those  who  have  so  little  sensibility,  either  of  the  value  of 
the  gifts  of  God,  or  of  his  hand  in  bestowing  them,  can  be  grate- 
ful. The  seat  of  gratitude  is  in  the  heart :  the  proof  appears  in 
the  words  and  actions.  Now,  what  are  the  prevailing  subjects  of 
conversation  amongst  us.^  Are  the  great  things  that  God  has 
done  for  as,  the  high  obligations  we  are  under  to  him,  the  cons- 
forts  of  our  holy  religion,  and  the  nature  of  that  blessed  hope 
set  before  us  by  the  Gospel,  in  the  number  ^  On  the  contrary,  is 
not  the  least  hint  of  these  things  in  company,  for  the  most  part, 
received  with  reserve,  if  not  with  contempt  and  disgust  ?  '  Out 
of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  speaketh.'  God,  and 
the  things  of  God,  have  little  place  there  ;  but  levity,  detraction, 
ill  temper,  and  net  seldom,  profaneness  and  obscenity,  in  our  dis- 
courses, too  plainlj'  discover  the  natui'e  of  the  fountain  from 
whence  they  flow.  And  if  we  look  upon  the  actions  of  men  in 
general,  they  are  but  of  a  piece  v/ith  their  words:  engrossed  by 
business,  or  enslaved  to  pleasure,  for  a  season,  all  upon  the  stretch 
in  amassing  treasures ;  and  then,  perhaps,  as  restless  and  eager  to 
dissipate  them.  Whatever  passion  rules  them  for  the  time,  or 
whatever  changes  they  may  admit  in  their  schemes,  it  is  too  plain, 
that  a  principle  of  gratitude  to  God,  and  a  conscious  desire  to 
please  him,  has  little  influence  either  in  forming  or  executing  their 
plans.  If  these  things  are  so,  we  have  another  instance  of  the 
deceitfulness  and  desperate  wickedness  of  the  heart :  it  is  full  of 
the  blackest  ingratitude. 

Need  any  thing  be  added  to  these  two  charges.''  Have  we  not 
said  enough  to  confirm  the  prophet's  assertion  ^  if  not,  we  can 
name  a  third  particular,  if  possible,  more  absurd  and  inexcusable 
than  either  of  the  former.  Man  is  not  only  insensible  of  the 
greatest  part  of  those  things  which  most  concern  him,  and  un- 
grateful and  disobedient  to  his  Maker  and  Preserver,  his  best  and 
only  friend,  but  he  is  proud  too.  Though  he  has  nothing  but 
what  he  has  received,  has  received  nothing  but  w  hat  he  has  per- 
verted and  mismanaged,  and  must  render  a  strict  account  of  his 
mismanagement,  yet  he  is  proud.  We  have  already  seen  his 
blindness  and  baseness ;  there  wanted  only  pride  to  make  him  a 
monster  indeed.  And  need  we  spend  time  to  prove  this .''  No. 
This,  at  least,  is  an  universal  evil.  Any  man  may  easily  perceive 
it  in  every  man  but  liimself ;  and  every  thinking  man  may  perceive 
it  working  within  himself  incessant!}-.  Whether  we  are  alone  or 
in  company,  whether  with  friends  or  enemies  ;  with  those  above 
us  or  those  below  us,  pride  will  insinuate.     Nay,  in  the  immedj- 


Ser.    1.]  OF    THE    HEART.  21 

ate  presence  of  God,  when  we  come  together  to  imjolore  his  mer- 
C}',  while  the  most  humbling* confessions  are  upon  our  lips,  and 
we  are  charging  ourselves  as  most  miserable,  helpless  sinners, 
even  here  pride  will  find  us  out.  Those  must  be  great  stran- 
gers to  tlicmsclves,  who  are  not  sensible  of  this.  Now,  '  why 
is  dust  and  ashes  proud  ?'  proud  of  our  failings  !  proud  of  our 
infirmities  !  Is  it  not  from  hence,  because  the  heart  is  deplorably 
diseased,  desperately  wicked,  and  deeply  deceitful  ? 

I  shall  pursue  this  point  no  further.  1  shall  not  attempt  to 
enumerate,  at  present,  those  '  evil  thoughts,  murders,  adulteries, 
fornications,  thefts,  and  blasphemies,'  Mark  vii.  21.  which  our 
Lord  assures  us  do  perpetually  '  proceed  from  the  heart.'  1  chose 
to  insist  on  insensibility,  ingratitude,  and  pride ;  because  these 
are  the  vices  which,  in  common  life,  we  most  condemn,  are  will- 
ing to  think  ourselves  most  free  from,  and  can  the  least  bear  to  be 
charged  with.  And  it  must  be  allowed,  tiiat  between  man  and 
man,  there  is  often  the  appearance  of  much  generosity,  gratitude, 
and  condescension.  But  what  will  it  avail  us,  that  we  stand  upon 
some  tolerable  terms  towards  each  other  in  these  respects,  if  we 
are  guilty  before  God.  '  The  Lord  seeth  not  as  man  seeth.' 
1  Sam.  xvi.  :  he  cannot  be  deceived  or  put  off  with  a  fair  ap- 
pearance: for  he  '  searcheth  the  heart,  and  trieth  the  reins.'  This 
is  the  next  point  to  be  considered. 

II.  That  the  heart,  with  all  its  workings,  and  all  its  faults,  is 
incessantly  under  the  divine  inspection  and  examination  :  'I,  the 
Lord,  search  the  heart,  and  try  the  reins.'  The  heart  and  reins^ 
as  distinguished  in  Scripture-phrase,  signify  those  different  pow- 
ers of  the  mind,  the  affections,  and  the  thoughts.  The  words 
search  and  trij  have  an  emphasis  in  the  original  which  cannot  be 
reached  without  a  paraphrase,  if  at  all. 

The  Lord  searches  ['ip'";]  the  heart :  he  traces,  investigates,  the 
inmost  principles  of  our  souls  to  their  first  rise,  with  (if  I  may  so 
speak)  a  maihcmatical  accuracy.  ,  He  tries  [■•":]  the  reins:  he 
watches  every  rising  thought ;  he  brings  it  to  the  test  of  his  most 
pure  law;  he  examines  it  with  the  utmost  exactness  ;  as  a  refiner 
essays  his  metals,  with  a  purpose  to  reject  whatever  is  inferior  to 
the  prescribed  standard.  To  form  a  more  just  idea  of  this  scru- 
tiny, let  us  ask  ourselves  how  we  could  bear  to  be  obliged  to  de- 
clare aloud,  in  full  company,  every  thought  which  passes  through 
our  minds,  every  wish  and  desire  of  which  we  are  conscious, 
without  the  least  reserve  or  exception  .''  I  am  persuaded  there  are 
few  people  so  lost  to  shame,  but,  if  they  were  brought  to  this 
trial,  they  would  rather  choose  to  die  than  comply  with  it.  Some 
things  they  would  perceive,  especially  upon  such  a  provocation, 
^vliich  they  could  hardly,  upon  any  terms,  prevail  with  themselves 


22  ON    THE    DECEITFULNESS  [Ser.  1. 

to  express.  The  Lord  has  mercifully  kept  us  from  the  know- 
ledge of  each  others  hearts,  any  farther  than  we  are  wiliinjo;  to 
disclose  ourselves  :  for  was  every  man  compelled  to  speak  all  he 
thinks,  there  would  be  an  end  of  society  ;  and  man  would  no 
more  venture  to  dwell  with  man,  than  with  tigers  and  bears. 
We  know  what  mischief  one  ungoverned  tongue  may  sometimes 
occasion  !  now,  the  tongue  can  do  no  evil,  any  further  than  as  it 
is  an  instrument  of  disclosing  the  hidden  things  of  the  heart ;  yet 
it  is  but  a  small  part  of  these  the  worst  tongue  is  capable  of  dis- 
closing. What,  then,  would  be  the  case,  if  all  our  hearts  were 
open,  all  our  desires  known  to  one  another?  What  a  mixture  of  con- 
fusion, and  defiance,  shame,  rage,  fear,  and  contempt,  would  over- 
spread every  countenance  !  And  yet,  thus  we  are  exposed  to  the 
searching  eye  of  a  pure  and  holy  God !  The  Lord  knows  the 
thoughts  of  man's  heart,  that  they  are  vain.  He  long  ago  de- 
clared the  result  of  his  observation.  'God  saw  the  wickedness 
of  man  was  great  in  the  earth  ;  and  that  every  imagination  of  the 
thoughts  of  his  heart  was  only  evil  continually,'  Gen.  vi.  And,, 
though  the  world  was  drowned  for  this,  matters  were  not  mended 
afterwards  :  for,  upon  a  second  survey,  the  judgment  amounts 
to  the  same.  'The  Lord  looked  down  from  heaven  upon  the 
children  of  men,  to  see  if  there  were  any  that  did  understand^ 
and  seek  God.  They  are  all  gone  aside  ;  they  are  altogether 
become  filthy  ;  there  is  none  that  doeth  good,  no,  not  one.  Their 
throat  is  an  open  sepulchre  ;  with  their  tongues  they  have 
used  deceit,  the  poison  of  asps  is  under  their  lips,'  Ps.  xiv.  Isa. 
lix.  Compare  Rom.  iii.  How  it  was  in  our  blessed  Saviour's 
time  we  have  already  observed  ;  and  neither  Scripture  nor  expe- 
rience gives  us  reason  to  hope  it  has  been  better  since,  or  is  now. 
The  apostle  Paul  has  assured  us,  '  Tiiat,  in  the  last  day  (a  char- 
acter which  it  is  likely  coincides  with  our  days)  perilous  times- 
shall  come.  For  men  shall  be  lovers  of  their  own  selves,  covet- 
ous, boasters,  proud,  blasphemers,  disobedient  to  parents,  un- 
thankful, unholy,  without  natural  afiection,  truce-breakers,  false 
accusers,  incontinent,  fierce,  despisers  of  those  that  are  good, 
traitors,  heady,  high-minded,  lovers  of  pleasure  more  than  lovers 
of  God  :  having  a  form  of  godliness,  but  denying  the  power 
thereof,'  2  Tim.  iii.  Surely,  1  say,  if  these  are  marks  of  the  last 
days,  they  must  be  already  connncnccd.  However,  we  sec,  upon 
the  whole,  how  vile  and  hateful  our  hearts  must  appear  in  the  sight 
of  a  heart-searching  God. 

III.  One  thing  more  we  have  to  consider  :  that  the  Lord  does 
not  observe  the  heart  of  man  with  the  indiiTerence  of  a  mere  spec- 
tator, but  as  an  impartial  and  inflexiljle  judge  ;  '  tliat  he  may 
give   every  man   arrording  to  ids  ways,   and  according  to  tlu 


'♦§er.   ij  OF    THE    HEART.  2^ 

fruit  of  his  doings.'     This   was  the  third  particular  to  be  spo- 
ken to. 

But,  alas !  what  can  be  said  to  this  f  Is  it  not  sufficient  to  fill 
our  souls  with  astonishment,  and  to  cause  all  faces  to  gather  black- 
ness! to  hear  that  the  Lord  has  purposed  to  render  to  every  inai> 
according  to  his  works;  and  that  he  sits  judge,  not  only  upon 
outward  actions,  but  examines  the  \ery  thoughts  and  intents  of 
the  heart  ?  Dare  any  of  us  abide  the  issue  of  such  a  trial  ? 
Which  of  us  will  presume  to  say,  I  am  clean  ?  To  what  purpose 
can  any  of  ns  plead,  1  have  not  committed  adultery,  if  God 
charges  us  with  every  inordinate  desire,  with  every  offence  of 
the  eye  f  What  will  it  avail,  that  we  have  never  assaulted  the  life 
of  our  neighbour,  if  every  angry  word,  every  degree  of  ill-will 
or  revenge,  is  considered  as  murder  in  God's  sight?  It  will  not 
suffice  to  say,  I  am  no  thief  or  extortioner,  unless  we  can  clear 
ourselves  of  the  most  distant  wish  of  possessing  what  was  the 
property  of  another.  If  we  are  sure  that  we  have  not  forsworn 
ourselves,  but  have  performed  to  the  Lord  our  oaths,  it  is  only 
thus  far  well,  that  we  shall  not  be  condemned  for  open  and  actual 
perjury.  But  if  we  have  at  any  time  mentioned,  or  even  thought 
of,  the  name  of  God,  without  the  highest  habitual  reverence,  we 
have  taken  his  name  in  vain  ;  and  he  has  declared  he  will  not 
hold  us  guiltless.  That  this  is  no  gloss  of  ray  inventing,  but  the 
very  words  of  truth,  the  declaration  of  him  by  whom  we  must  be 
one  day  judged,  the  fifth  chapter  of  Matthew  will  inform  you. 
There  a  wanton  glance  is  styled  adultery ;  an  angry  expression 
censured  as  murder  ;  and  to  speak  unadvisedly,  even  of  the  hairs 
of  our  head,  is  deemed  a  branch  of  profane  swearing.  And 
why.''  Because  all  these  spring  from  the  heart,  which  is  'naked 
and  open,'  without  either  covering  or  concealm.ent,  '  in  the  sighf 
of  him  with  whom  we  have  to  do;'  Heb.  iv.  This  is  thought 
uncomfortable  doctrine,  and  not  without  reason,  could  we  go  no 
further.  For  there  is  uothing  in  heaven  or  in  earth,  in  time  ot 
eternity,  that  affords  the  least  glimpse  of  comfort  to  fallen  man, 
if  either  God  is  strict  to  mark  what  is  amiss,  or  if  he,  trusting  in 
himself,  presumes  to  plead  with  his  Maker,  The  divine  law  re- 
quires perfect,  unremitted,  unsinning  obedience  :  it  denounces  a. 
curse  upon  the  least  failure.  '  Cursed  is  every  one  that  continn- 
eth  not  in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to 
do  them,'  Gal.  iii.  10.;  every  one,  without  exception  of  person  oi- 
circumstance,  that  continutth  not,  fiom  the  beginning  to  the  end 
of  life,  in  all  things,  great  and  small  to  do  them,  twj 'Troir,<fai  a-^Ta,  to 
finish  them,  to  do  them  completely,  without  any  defect  either  \\\ 
matter  or  manner.  Most  uncomfortable  doctrine  indeed,  wer<' 
there  no  remedy  provided  !     For  the  law  of  God  is  as  eternal 


24  ON    THE    DKCEITFULNESS  [Sei*.  1. 

and  unchangeable  as  his  nature  :  it  must  not,  it  cannot  be  attem- 
pered or  brought  down  to  our  capacities;  neither  can  the  penalty 
be  evaded ;  for  the  God  of  truth  has  said,  has  sworn,  that  '  the 
soul  that  sinneth  shall  die,'  Ezek.  xviii.  4.  Here,  then,  we  must 
receive  '  a  sentence  of  death  in  ourselves,'  2  Cor.  i.  9.  Here, 
'  every  mouth  must  be  stopped,  and  all  the  world  become  guilty 
before  God,'  Rom.  iii.  19.  Here  we  must  say,  with  the  apostle, 
'  Therefore,  by  the  deeds  of  the  law,  there  shall  be  no  flesh  jus- 
tified in  his  sight,'  Gal.  ii.  16  :  '  for  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge 
of  sin,'  Rom.  iii.  20.  O  that  we  could  all  sincerely  say  so  ;  that 
we  were  brought  to  this,  to  feel  and  confess  our  lost,  undone 
estate,  and  our  utter  inability  to  save  ourselves  !  then,  with  joy, 
should  T  proceed  to  what  1  have  had  in  my  eye  all  along.  For 
with  what  view  have  Tsaid  so  much  upon  so  disagreeable  a  subject  r* 
Why  have  I  attempted  to  lay  open  some  of  the  depths  of  the 
heart,  but  that  I  might  more  fully  illustrate  the  wonderful  grace 
and  goodness  of  God,  vouchsafed  to  us  in  the  Gospel  ;  and,  at 
the  same  time,  show  the  utter  impossibility,  not  of  being  saved  at 
all,  but  of  finding  salvation  in  any  other  way  than  that  which 
God  has  appointed.^  For,  behold  !  'God  has  so  loved  the  worhJ,' 
John  iii.  that  he  sent  his  Son  to  accomplish  that  for  us  '  which 
the  law  could  not  do  through  the  weakness  of  our  flesh,'  Rom.  viii. 
Jesus  Christ  performed  perfect  obedience  to  the  law  of  God  in 
our  behalf;  he  died,  and  satisfied  the  penalty  due  to  our  sihs  ;  he 
arose  from  the  grave  as  our  representative;  he  is  entered  into 
Jieaven  as  our  fore-runner.  '  He  has  received  gifts  for  men,  even 
for  the  rebellious,'  Psalm  Ixviii.  He  is  '  exalted'  on  high  to  '  be- 
stow repentance  and  i-emission  of  sins,'  Acts  v.  on  all  that  seek 
to  him.  He  has  established  his  ordinances  for  this  purpose  :  he 
has  commanded  his  people  not  to  '  neglect  assembling  themselves 
together.'  He  has  charged  his  ministers,  at  such  seasons,  to  de- 
clare first  the  guilty,  deplorable  condition  of  mankind,  and  then 
to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings- of  salvation,  'by  faith  which  is  in 
him.'  He  has  promised  to  be  with  them  in  this  work  to  the  end 
of  the  world.  He  has  promised  that  where  his  word  is  fixithfully 
preached  he  will  accompany  it  'willi  a  spirit  and  power'  that 
shall  bear  down  all  opposition.  He  luis  promised,  that  while  we 
arc  speaking  to  the  ear,  he  will,  by  his  secret  influence,  apply  it  to 
the  heart,  and  open  it  to  receive  and  embrace  the  truth  spoken,  as 
in  the  case  of  Lydia.  Who  would  venture  to  preach  a  doctrine 
so  unpalatable  to  the  carnal  mind,  as  Jesus  (.hrist,  and  him  cruci- 
fied? Who  would  undertake  so  ungrateful  a  task,  as  to  depre- 
ciate that  noble  creature,  man,  and  arraign  him  publicly  of  insen- 
sibiliiy,  ingratitude,  pride,  and  deceit,  were  it  not  that  we  have 
first  a  command,  and  that  at  our  peril,  to  speak  plain;  and  second 


Ser.   1.]  OP    THE    HEART.  25 

ly,  a  promise  that  we  shall  not  speak  in  vain  ?  Not  that  we  caa 
expect  to  be  universally  received  :  the  time  is  come,  when  many 
will  not  endure  sound  doctrine/  2  Tim.  iv.  3.  but  some  there  will 
be,  whom  God  is  pleased  to  save  by  the  foolishness  of  preachings 
so  called.  Some  such  I  would  hope  are  in  this  assembly.  To 
such  I  say,  think  not  to  satisfy  the  divine  justice  by  any  poor  per- 
formances of  your  own;  think  not  to  cleanse  or  expiate  the  evil 
of  your  hearts  by  any  of  your  own  inventions ;  but  '  behold  the 
Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world,'  John  i. 
29.  He  died,  that  you  may  live  :  he  lives,  that  you  may  live  for 
ever.  Put,  therefore,  your  trust  in  the  Lord;  for  with  him  is 
plenteous  redemption.  His  sufterings  and  death  are  a  complete, 
final  propitiation  for  sin.  '  He  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost ;' 
and  he  is  as  willing  as  he  is  able.  It  was  this  brought  him  down 
from  heaven ;  for  this  he  emptied  himself  of  all  glory,  and  sub- 
mitted to  all  indignity.  His  humiliation  expiates  our  pride  ;  his 
perfect  love  atones  for  our  ingratitude  ;  his  exquisite  tenderness 
pleads  for  our  insensibility.  Only  believe  ;  commit  your  cause 
to  him  by  faith  and  prayer.  As  a  Priest,  he  shall  make  atone- 
ment for  your  sins,  and  present  your  persons  and  your  services 
acceptable  before  God.  As  a  Prophet,  he  shall  instruct  you  in 
the  true  wisdom,  which  maketh  wise  to  salvation ;  he  shall  not 
only  cause  you  to  know  his  commandments,  but  to  love  them  too  : 
he  shall  write  them  in  your  hearts.  As  a  King,  he  shall  evermore 
mightily  defend  you  agaijist  all  your  enemies.  He  shall  enable 
you  to  withstand  temptations,  to  support  difficulties,  to  break 
through  all  opposition.  He  shall  supply  you  with  every  thing 
you  need,  for  this  life  or  a  better,  out  of  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  his  grace.  He  shall  strengthen  you  to  overcome  all 
things  ;  to  endure  to  the  end  :  and  then  lie  shall  give  you  a 
place  in  his  kingdom  ;  a  seat  near  his  throne  ;  a  crown  of  life  ; 
a  crown  of  glory ;  incorruptible,  undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not 
away. 


Vol.  U: 


SERMON  II. 


ON  THE  SAVIOUR,  AND  HIS  SALVATION 


iTiM.i,  15. 

U%is  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came 
into  the  tvorld  to  save  sinners;  oftohomlam  chief. 

Though  the  apostle  Paul  has  wrote  largely  and  happily 
upon  every  branch  of  Christian  doctrine  and  practice;  and,  with 
respect  to  his  writings,  as  well  as  his  preaching,  could  justly  as- 
sert, '  that  he  had  not  shunned  to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of 
God  ;'  yet  there  are  two  points  which  seem  to  have  been  (if  I 
may  so  speak)  his  favourite  topics,  which  he  most  frequently  re- 
peats, most  copiously  insists  on,  and  takes  every  occasion  of  in- 
troducing. The  one  is  to  display  the  honours,  power,  and  faith- 
fulness of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  the  other  to  make  known  the 
great  things  God  had  done  for  his  own  soul.  How  his  heart  was 
filled  and  fired  with  the  first  of  these  is  evident  from  almost  every 
chapter  of  his  epistles.  When  he  speaks  of  that  mystery  of  god- 
liness, '  God  manifested  in  the  flesh,'  and  the  exceeding  grace  and 
love  declared  to  a  lost  world  through  him,  the  utmost  powers  of 
language  fall  short  of  his  purpose.  With  a  noble  freedom  he 
soars  beyond  the  little  bounds  of  criticism  ;  and,  finding  the  most 
expressive  words  too  weak  and  faint  for  his  ideas,  he  forms  and 
compounds  new  ones,  heaps  one  hyperbole  upon  another  ;  yet, 
after  his  most  laboured  essays  to  do  justice  to  his  subject,  he  often 
breaks  ofi"  in  a  manner  that  shows  he  was  far  from  being  satisfied 
with  all  he  could  say.  This  reflection  is  most  obvious  to  those 
who  can  read  him  in  the  original:  but  no  disadvantages  of  a 
translation  can  wholly  confine  that  inimitable  ardour  with  wliich 
he  seems  to  pour  his  whole  soul  into  his  words,  when  he  is  speak- 
ing of  his  Lord  and  Saviour.  And  he  who  can  read  the  first 
chapters  of  his  epistles  to  the  Ephcsians,  Colossians,  and  He- 
brews, the  second  to  the  Philippians,  or  many  similar  passages, 
with  indifference,  must  be,  1  say,  not  merely  a  person  of  small 
devotion,  but  of  little  taste  and  sensibility. 

And  how  deeply  his  mind  was  impressed  with  the  mercies  he- 
had  received  in  his  conversion  and  call,  is  equally  conspicuous. 
He  takes  every  occasion  to  aggrandize  the  goodness  of  God  to 


Ser.  2.]  ON  the  saviour,  &z;c.  27 

himself;  to  exaggerate  and  deplore  the  guilt  and  misery  of  his 
former  life,  in  which  he  once  trusted;  and  to  lament  the  small 
returns  he  was  able  to  make  for  such  blessings  ;  even  when 
he  could  sa}^,  vvithout  boasting,  that  he  had  '  laboured  more 
abundantly  '  than  the  most  diligent  and  zealous  of  his  fellow- 
servants. 

A  powerful  abiding  sense  of  these  two  points  upon  the  apostle's 
mind,  have  given  rise  to  many  sudden,  lively,  and  beautiful  di- 
gressions in  the  course  of  his  writings.  The  context  to  the  pas- 
sage I  have  read  is  of  this  kind.  Having  incidentally  spoken  of 
the  Gospel  in  the  11th  verse,  he  is  suddenly  struck  with  the  re- 
flection of  his  own  misery  while  ignorant  of  it,  and  the  wonder- 
ful goodness  of  God,  in  aflbrdinghim  the  knowledge  of  salvation, 
and  hojiouring  him,  who  was  before  a  blasphemer,  with  a  commis- 
sion to  publish  the  same  glad  tidings  to  others.  This  thought 
suspends  his  argument,  and  iills  his  heart  and  mouth  with  praise. 
And  having  acknowledged,  that  'the  grace  of  our  Lord  was  ex- 
ceeding abundant'  towards  himself,  he  subjoins  the  words  of  the 
text  for  an  encouragement  to  others  ;  assuring  us,  that  his  case 
was  not  so  peculiar,  but  that  multitudes  might  be  partakers  with 
him  in  the  same  hope  of  mercy. 

The  words  easily  resolve  into  two  parts  : 

First,  A  short,  but  comprehensive  proposition,  including  the 
purport  of  the  whole  Gospel,  '  that  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the 
world  to  save  sinners.' 

Secondly,  A  commendation  of  this  doctrine  in  a  two-fold  re- 
spect, '  as  a  faithful  saying,'  and  as  '  worthy  of  all  acceptation  ;' 
each  of  these  illustrated  by  the  instance  of  himself;  when  he  adds, 
'  of  whom  I  am  chief.' 

I.  The  apostle  well  knew  the  diflerent  reception  the  Gospel 
would  meet  in  the  world  ;  that  many  poor,  guilty  souls,  trembling 
under  a  sense  of  sin  and  unworthiness,  would  very  hardly  be  per- 
suaded that  such  sinners  as  they  could  be  saved  at  all.  To  these 
he  recommends  it  as  '  a  faithful  saying,'  founded  upon  the  immu- 
table counsel,  promise,  and  oath  of  God,  that  Jesus  Christ  came 
into  the  world  to  save  sinners;  sinners  in  general ;  '  the  chief 
of  sinners  ;'  such  as  he  represents  himself  to  have  been.  He 
knew,  likewise,  that  many  odiers,  from  a  mistaken  opinion  of 
their  own  goodness,  or  a  mistaken  dependence  on  something  of 
their  own  choosing,  would  be  liable  to  undervalue  this  faithful 
saying.  For  the  sake  of  these,  he  adds,  '  it  is  worthy  of  all  ac- 
ceptation.' None  are  so  bad  but  the  Gospel  affords  them  aground 
of  hope:  none  are  so  good  as  to  have  any  just  ground  of  hope 
without  it.     There  was  a  time  when  St.  Paul  could  have  made  a 


28  ON  THE  SAVIOUR,  [Ser.  2. 

fair  profession  of  himself  likewise  :  he  could  say,  '  circumcised 
on  the  eighth  day,  of  the  stock  of  Israel,  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin, 
an  Hebrew  of  the  Hebrews,  as  to  the  law,  a  Pharisee,  as  to  the 
righteousness  whicii  is  by  the  law,  blameless  ;  Phil.  iii.  But  he 
has  been  since  taught  to  '  count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excel- 
lency of  the  knowledge  of  Christ ;'  and  is  content  to  style  him- 
self the  chief  of  sinners. 

Having  thus  attempted  to  show  the  design  and  meaning  of  the 
words,  I  propose  something  more  at  large,  to  unfold  the  proposi- 
tion, and  point  out  some  of  those  important  and  extensive  truths  it 
contains.  I  say,  some  of  them  ;  for  it  is  not  possible  that  either 
men  or  angels  can  fully  sound  the  depth  of  this  one  sentence, 
*  that  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners.'  I  shall 
afterwards  infer,  and  enforce  the  other  part  of  the  text,  that  it  is 
indeed  '  a  faithful  saying  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation.'  And 
may  He,  who  canie  into  the  world  to  procure  salvation  for  sin- 
ners, and  is  now  exalted  on  high  to  bestow  it,  accompany  the 
whole  with  his  promised  blessing. 

The  tenor  of  the  proposition  readily  suggests  three  inquiries. 
First,  Who  this  person  is,  here  spoken  of,  Jesus  Christ  ?  Se- 
cond, What  is  meant  by  tlie  salvation  he  is  said  to  have  underta- 
ken .''     Third,  By  what  means  he  effected  it  ? 

Let  ws,  first,  speak  of  this  gracious,  this  wonderful  person  Jesus 
Christ.  We  already  bear  his  name  as  professed  Christians  ;  and 
we  speak  of  him  as  our  Master,  and  our  Lord  :  and  so  far  we  say 
well.  But,  as  he  has  told  us,  many  will  call  him  Lord  at  the 
great  day,  to  whom  he  will  profess,  '  I  never  knew  you  whence 
you  are,  depart :'  so  it  is  to  be  feared  there  are  many  noic,  that 
outwardly  acknowledge  him,  who  neither  know  whence  he  is,  nor 
who  he  is.  Though  we  have  IMoses  and  the  prophets,  the  apos- 
tles and  evangelists,  continually  with  us  ;  though  it  is  the  imme- 
diate aim  and  intent  of  all  their  writings,  in  every  history,  pro- 
mise, prophecy,  t}  pe,  ceremony,  and  law,  to  set  him  before  our 
eyes  ;  and  though  there  is  hardly  an  image  in  the  material  crea- 
tion but  is  adopted  by  the  Scriptures  to  shadow  forth  his  excellen- 
cy ;  ignorance  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  what  he  has  done  for  his  peo- 
ple, is  the  great  cause  that  religion  appears  so  low  and  contempti- 
ble to  some,  and  is  found  so  tedious  and  burdensome  by  others. 
Let  us,  therefore,  attend  to  the  record  God  has  given  of  his  Son  ; 
for  1  propose  in  this  article  to  say  little  of  my  own,  but  to  lay  be- 
fore you  the  express,  powerful,  indubitable  testimony  of  Holy 
Scripture. 

And  here  we  ?ire  taught  first.  That  Jesus  Christ  is  God.  The 
first  words  of  St.  John's  Gospel  are  full  to  this  point  :  '  In  the  be- 
ginning' (that  is,  at  the  commencement  of  time  and  things,  when 


Ser.  2.]  AND  HIS  salvation.  29 

as  yet  nothing  else  existed)  '  was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  was 
with  God,  and  the  Word  was  God.'  To  prevent  a  possibility  of 
mistake,  and  to  confirm  the  eternity  of  this  divine  Word  in  the 
strongest  manner,  it  is  immediately  added,  '  the  same  was  in  the 
beginning  with  God.  All  things  were  made  by  him.'  And,  lest 
this  likewise  should  be  either  contested  or  mij;underrtood,  it  is 
guarded  by  an  universal  negative,  '  without  him  was  not  any 
thing  made  that  was  made.'  Further,  to  prevent,  if  possible,  the 
surmise,  that,  in  these  glorious  words,  the  Eternal  Word  acted 
with  a  deputed  power  only,  the  apostle  subjoins,  '  In  him  was 
life,'  life  essentially  ;  and  from  him,  as  the  fountain,  hfe  and  light 
proceeded  to  his  creatures  :  '  In  him  was  life,  and  that  life  was 
the  light  of  men.'  To  this  agrees  the  declaration  of  St.  Pa<il  : 
*  For  by  him  were  all  things  created  that  are  in  heaven,  and  that 
are  in  earth,  visible  and  invisible,  whether  thrones,  or  dominions, 
or  principalities,  or  powers;  all  things  were  created  by  him  and 
for  him;'  {hy  his  power  and  wisdom, /or  his  glory  and  pleasure.) 
'  And  he  is  before  all  things,  and  by  him  all  things  consist,'  Col. 
i.  Elsewhere  he  speaks  of  him  expressly,  as,  '  over  all,  God 
blessed  for  ever ;  who  upholdeth  all  things  by  the  word  of  his 
power;  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever.'  It  were  easy 
to  enlarge  this  waj' ;  but  I  shall  content  myself  with  observing  this 
general  proof  of  the  divinitj'  of  Christ,  that  the  Scriptures,  which 
were  given  to  make  us  wise  to  salvation,  do  ascribe  to  him  the 
names  of  God,  particularly  Jehovah  ;  the  essential  attributes  of 
God,  such  as  Eternity,  Omnipresence,  Omnipotence  ;  the  peculiar 
works  of  God,  as  Creation,  Providence,  Redemption,  and  Forgive- 
ness of  sin :  and,  finally,  commands  us  to  pay  him  those  divine 
honours,  and  to  rely  on  him  with  that  absolute  dependence,  which 
would  be  idolatry,  if  referred  any  where  below  the  Supreme  Ma- 
jesty of  heaven  and  earth. 

Again,  we  learn  from  Scripture,  that  Christ  is  truly  and  pro- 
perly Man.  This  is,  indeed,  wonderful  !  therefore  styled,  '  the 
great  mystery  of  godliness;'  1  Tim.  iii.  But  that  he,  of  whom 
we  have  begun  to  speak,  is  the  very  person  who  came  into  the 
world  to  save  siiiners,  we  have  abundant  proof.  The  apostle 
John,  whose  testimony  we  have  ali'eady  cited,  says,  a  few  verses 
lower,  John  i.  14.  '  And  the  word,  (that  glorious  Word,  which 
was  God  with  God)  '  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  amongst  us,  and 
we  beheld  his  glory,'  (that  is,  we,  his  disciples,  whose  eyes  were 
spiritually  enlightened,  for  the  world  in  general  -aw  nothing  of 
it,)  *  as  the  glory  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father,  full  of  grace 
and  truth.'  In  other  places,  it  is  said,  *  Himself  took  our  infir- 
nriities  and  bore  our  sickness,  I\Iatth.  viii.  17.  and  was  in  all  points 
tempted  as  we  arc,  yet  without  sin;'    Hcb.  iv.   15.     'As  the 


30  ON  THE  SAViouB,  [Scr.  2. 

children  are  partakers  of  flesh  and  blood,  he  also,  himself,  like- 
wise took  part  of  the  same  j'  Heb.  ii.  14.  'In  the  fulness  of 
time,  God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman  ;'  Gal.  iv.  Many 
are  the  mistakes  of  mortals,  and  wide  the  extremes  into  which 
mistaken  mortals  run  !  Some  have  rashly  ventured  to  deny  our 
Lord's  divinity  ;  some  have  wildly  and  fancifully  explained  away 
his  humanity  :  but  may  we,  through  grace,  abide  by  the  Scriptu- 
val  truth,  and  be  directed  in  the  midst  of  the  path  of  judgment. 

From  this  mystical  union  of  the  divine  and  human  nature  in 
one  person,  the  Scriptures  speak  of  him,  thirdly,  under  the  char- 
acter of  a  Mediator,  the  '  one  Mediator  between  .God  and  man.' 
To  this  idea  the  names  Jesus  Christ,  which  are  as  ointment  pour- 
ed forth,  direct  us  in  their  original  import.  The  former,  which 
signifies  the  Saviour,  pointing  out  the  success  and  efficacy  of  his 
undertaking  ;  the  latter,  which  is  the  same  with  Messiah,  or  the 
Anointed,  expressing  both  his  divine  appointment  thereto,  and  the 
complete  supply  of  all  grace  and  power,  wherewith  he  was  filled 
for  the  discharge  of  it.     Thus  much  for  the  person  spoken  of 

We  proceed,  in  the  next  place,  to  consider  the  design  of  his 
appearance  in  the  world,  '  to  save  sinners.'  And  as  the  idea  of 
deliverance  presupposes  a  state  of  distress,  it  will  be  necessary 
previously  to  inquire  into  the  condition  of  those  whom  he  came  to 
save ;  which  is,  indeed,  emphatically  implied  in  the  appellation 
given  them,  sinners.  IMan  having  broken  that  law  under  which 
he  was  created,  and  with  which  his  happiness  was  closely  con- 
nected, fell  under  accumulated  ruin.  The  image  of  God,  in  which 
he  was  formed,  was  defaced,  and  a  far  difierent  image  set  up  in 
his  heart,  even  of  him  who  had  seduced  him  from  his  allegiance  ; 
darkness  in  the  understanding,  rebellion  in  the  will,  sensuality  in 
the  aflections  ;  the  justice  of  God  threatening  a  penalty  he  could 
neit[)er  satisfy  nor  sustain:  the  commandments  of  God  still  chal- 
lenging an  obedience  he  had  no  longer  any  power  to  yield.  The 
very  gifts  and  bounties  of  God  with  which  he  was  encompassed, 
designed  not  only  for  his  comfort,  but  his  instruction,  to  lead  him, 
as  by  so  many  steps,  to  their  gracious  Author,  became,  eventually, 
the  occasions  of  withdrawing  him  further  from  his  dut}',  and  in- 
creasing, as  well  as  aggravating  his  ingratitude.  Thus  stood  man 
towards  his  Maker.  With  regard  to  his  fellow-creatures,  self-love 
and  inordinate  desires  having  raised  a  variety  of  interfering  inter- 
ests in  the  breasts  of  all,  peace  withdrew  from  the  earth.  Every 
man's  heart  and  hand  was  set  against  his  neighbour  ;  and  vio- 
lence, rage,  cn\y,  and  confusion,  overspread  ihe  world.  Nor 
could  he  be  easier  in  himself;  hurried  by  restless  desires  towards 
tilings  either  unsatisfying  or  unattainable,  haunted  with  cares,  tor- 
tured v.ith  pains,  tired  with  opposition,  shocked  with  disappoint- 


Ser.  2.1  AND  HIS  salvation.  31 

ment  ;  conscience,  like  the  hand  that  appeared  in  Belshazzar's 
feast,  Daniel  v.  writing  bitter  things  against  him,  when  outward 
circumstances  allowed  a  short  repose  ;  and  vanity,  like  a  worm, 
destroying  the  root  of  ever}'  flower  that  promised  the  fairest  bloom 
of  success.  Behold  a  few  outlines  of  the  pictm-e  of  fallen  man  ! 
Miserable  in  his  life,  more  miserable  in  the  continual  dread  of  lo- 
sing such  a  life,  miserable,  most  of  all,  that  neither  his  fancy  can 
feign,  nor  his  fear  conceive,  the  consequences  of  the  death  he 
dreads ;  which  will  introduce  him  to  the  immediate  presence,  to 
the  tribunal  of  an  incensed,  almighty,  ever-living  God  ! 

Such  was  the  state  from  which  Jesus  Christ  came  to  save  us. 
He  came  to  restore  us  to  the  favour  of  God  ;  to  I'econcile  us  to 
ourselves,  and  to  each  other ;  to  give  us  peace  and  joy  in  life, 
hope  and  triumph  in  death,  and  after  death,  glory,  honour,  and 
immortality.  For  he  came,  not  merely  to  repair,  and  to  restore, 
but  to  exalt ;  not  only  '  that  we  might  have  life,'  the  life  we  had 
forfeited,  but  '  that  we  might  have  it  more  abundantly,'  John  x. 
that  our  happiness  might  be  more  exalted,  our  title  more  firm,  and 
our  possession  more  secure,  than  the  state  of  Adam  in  paradise 
could  boast,  or  than  his  posterity  could  have  attained  unto,  if  he 
had  continued  unsinning  upon  the  tenor  of  the  first  covenant. 

Now,  could  we  suppose  it  possible,  that  a  set  of  innocent  be- 
ings, without  any  default  of  their  own,  had  sunk  into  a  state  of 
misery,  we  must  confess  it  would  have  been  great  grace  and  fa- 
vour in  the  Lord  Jesus  to  save  them.  But  let  us  not  forget  the 
stress  laid  in  the  text  upon  the  word  sinners.  He  came  to  save, 
not  the  unfortunate,  but  the  ungodly ;  Rom.  v.  How,  then, 
should  every  heart  glow  with  love  to  him  who  hath  thus  loved  us  ! 
If  any  of  us  can  hear  or  speak  of  this  subject  with  indifference  or 
disgust,  it  is  to  be  feared  we  are  quite  strangers  to  the  nature,  or 
the  necessity,  of  (hat  salvation  with  which  God  has  graciously  vis- 
ited his  people.  Let  us  no  more  usurp  the  sacred  words  of  gen- 
erosity, sensibility,  or  gratitude,  if  this  astonishing  instance  of  di- 
vine goodness  leaves  us  cold  and  unimpressed  :  especially  if  to 
this  we  join  the  consideration  of  the  third  point  I  proposed  to 
speak  of,  By  what  means  Jesus  Cin-ist  effected  this  salvation  for 
sinners. 

In  the  passage  before  us,  it  is  only  said,  that  he  came  into  the 
world  on  this  account ;  which  teaches  us,  this  was  the  sole  design 
of  his  advent ;  and  that,  coming  on  set  purpose  for  this,  he  would 
leave  nothing  undone  tiiat  was  necessary  to  accomplish  il.  }!<■ 
emptied  himself  of  that  divine  glory  and  honour  lie  possessed  with 
the  Father  from  eternity.  '  He  bowed  the  heavens,  and  came 
down'  to  our  earth  ;  and  that  not  with  an  external  glory,  a?  a 
celestial    messenger,  to  constrain  the  attention  and  homage  ol" 


32  ON    THE    SAVIOUR,  [Scf.    2. 

mankind,  '  but  was  made  of  a  woman,'  Gal.  Iv.  not  of  high  and 
noble  extraction  in  the  Judgment  of  men,  '  but  in  the  form  of  a 
servant  ;'  born  in  a  stable,  laid  in  a  manger,  brought  up  in  an 
obscure  and  contemptible  place,  and  reputed  no  higher  than  the 
son  of  a  carpenter.  '  He  was  despised  and  rejected  of  men  : 
there  was  no  form  or  comeliness  in  him,'  Isa.  liii.  to  attract  a 
general  regard  :  on  the  contrary,  *  he  came  to  his  own  and  his 
own  received  him  not,'  John  i.  Further,  as  he  was  made  of  a 
woman,  '  he  was  made  under  the  law  ;'  the  one  in  order  to  the 
other  :  for  this  was  the  way  divine  wisdom  had  appointed,  and 
which  divine  justice  required,  to  make  salvation  possible  to  sin- 
ners. Eternal  truth  had  pronounced  tribulation,  wrath,  and  an- 
guish, upon  every  soul  of  man  that  doeth  evil.  All  men,  in  ev- 
ery age  and  place,  '  had  corrupted  their  ways  before  God  ;'  yet 
his  mercy  had  designed,  '  that  where  sin  had  abounded,  grace 
should  much  more  abound,'  Rom.  viii.  Jesus  Christ  was  the 
grand  expedient,  in  whom  '  mercy  and  truth  met  together,'  Psalm, 
Ixxxv.  and  the  inflexible  righteousness  of  God  was  brought  to  cor- 
respond and  harmonize  with  the  peace  of  sinful  man.  That  jus- 
tice might  be  satisfied,  truth  vindicated,  and  sinners  saved,  '  God 
so  loved  a  lost  world,'  that  when  no  inferior  means  could  avail, 
when  none  in  heaven  or  earth  were  iviUing,  or  worthy,  or  able,  to 
interpose,  '  he  gave  his  only-begotten  Son.'  John  iii.  Jesus 
Christ,  the  brightness  of  the  Father's  glory,  and  express  image  of 
his  person,  '  so  loved  the  world,'  that  he  assumed  our  nature,  un- 
dertook our  cause,  bore  our  sins,  sustained  our  deserved  punish- 
ment ;  and,  having  done  and  suffered  all  that  the  case  required, 
he  is  now  gone  before,  '  to  prepare  a  place,'  John  xiv.  for  all 
that  believe  in  him  and  obey  him.  Man  lay  under  a  double  in- 
*;apacity  for  happiness  :  he  could  neither  keep  the  law  of  God  in 
future,  nor  satisfy  for  his  past  breach  and  contempt  of  it.  To 
obviate  the  former,  Jesus  Christ  performed  a  perfect,  unsinning 
obedience  in  our  stead.  To  remove  the  latter,  he  became  '  the 
propitiation  of  our  sins ;'  yielded  up  his  life  as  a  prey  into  the 
hands  of  murderers,  and  poured  forth  his  precious  blood,  in  drops 
of  sweat  in  the  garden,  in  streams  from  his  side  upon  the  cross. 
For  this  he  endured  the  fiercest  temptations  of  the  devil,  the  scorn, 
rage,  and  malice  of  men,  and  drank  the  bitter  cup  of  the  wrath  of 
God,  when,  it  pleased  the  Father  to  bruise  him,  and  make  his 
soul  an  ofTeiing  lor  sin.  His  love  carried  him  through  all  :  and 
when  he  had  Tmally  overcome  the  sharpness  of  death,  he  opened 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all  believers,  hi  few  words,  he  lived 
and  died  for  us  when  upon  earth  ;  nor  is  he  unmindful  of  us  in 
heaven,  but  lives  and  intercedes  on  our  behalf.  He  continually 
executes  the  offices  of  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King,  to  his  people ; 


Ser.  2.]  AND  HIS  salvation.  ^B 

instructing  them  by  his  word  and  Spirit  ;  presenting  tiieir  per- 
sons and  prayers,  acceptable  to  God  through  his  merits  ;  defend- 
ing them,  by  his  power,  from  all  their  enemies,  ghostly  and  bod- 
ily ;  and  ordering,  by  his  providence,  all  things  to  work,  togeth- 
er for  their  good,  till  at  length  they  are  brought  home  to  be  with 
him  where  he  is,  and  to  behold  his  glory. 

II.  From  what  has  been  said,  we  may  justly  infer,  in  the  first 
place,  that  '  this  is,'  as  the  apostle  styles  it,  '  a  faithful  saying.' 
When  man  first  fell,  God,  '  in  the  midst  of  judgment  remember- 
ing mercy,'  declared,  unsought  and  undesired,  '  that  the  seed  of 
the  woman  should  bruise  the  serpent's  head,'  Gen.  iii.  In  every 
succeeding  age  he  confirmed  his  purpose  by  types,  promises,  pro- 
phecies, and  oaths.  At  length,  in  the  fulness  of  time,  Christ, 
'the  desire  of  all  nations,'  came  into  the  world,  fulfilled  all  that 
had  been  foretold,  and  encouraged  every  humble,  penitent  sinner 
to  come  unto  him,  that  they  might  have  life,  pardon,  and  peace. 
To  doubt  or  to  deny  his  readiness  to  save,  is,  so  far  as  in  us  lies, 
to  '  make  the  word  of  God  of  none  efi'ect ;'  it  is  '  to  charge  God 
foolishly,'  as  though,  like  the  heedless,  unskilful  builder  in  the 
Gospel,  he  had  begun  to  build  that  which  was  not  to  be  finished. 
If,  after  all  that  is  set  before  us,  it  is  possible  for  any  soul  to  miss 
salvation  that  sincerely  desires  it,  and  seeks  it  in  God's  appointed 
way,  it  must  be  because  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  either  cannot  or 
will  not  save  them.  That  he  cannot,  is  flatly  false  ;  for  '  all  pow- 
er is  his  in  heaven  and  in  earth,'  Matth.  xxviii.  and  it  is  particu- 
larly said,  that  '  he  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all  that  come 
unto  God  by  him,'  Heb.  vii.  and  that  he  will  not,  is  as  false ;  for 
he  himself  hath  said,  '  Whosoever  coineth  unto  me,  I  will  in  no 
wise  cast  out,'  John  vi. 

We  may  infer,  secondly,  that  this  doctrine  is  not  only  faithful, 
but  '  worthy  of  all  acceptation.'  And  here,  methinks,  I  could 
begin  anew.  A  point  so  much  mistaken  by  some,  and  neglected 
by  most,  rather  requires  a  whole,  or  many  discourses,  than  to  be 
passed  over  in  few  words.  The  most  high  and  wise  God  has  es- 
teemed the  redemption  of  mankind  so  precious,  '  that  he  spared 
not  his  only  Son,'  Rom.  vili.  And  are  there  any  amongst  us,  in 
a  land  of  Gospel  light  and  liberty,  where  the  words  of  wisdom  are 
sounding  in  our  ears  every  day,  that  dare  make  light  of  this  mes- 
sage, just  give  it  a  hearing,  and  return  to  their  farms,  their  mer- 
chandize, and  their  diversions,  as  though  this  unspeakable  grace 
of  God  called  for  no  return  .''  Alas  !  '  How  shall  we  escape,  if 
we  neglect  this  salvation  .^'  Heb.  ii.  '  He  that  despised  Moses' 
law  died  without  mercy.'  It  was  dangerous,  it  was  destructive, 
to  refuse  him  that  spoke  upon  earth  ;  take  heed  how  you  trifle 
with  him  '  that  speaketh  from  heaven  !'     To  such  as  neglect  this. 

Vol.  n. 


34  ON  THE  SAVIOUR,  hc  [Set.  2 

'  there  remains  no  other  sacrifice  for  sin,  but  a  certain  fearful  look- 
ing for  of  fiery  indignation,  that  shall  devour  the  adversaries,' 
Heb.  X.  Let  none  of  us  think  it  is  well  with  us,  merely  be- 
cause we  Avere  born  and  educated  in  a  Christian  country,  have 
means  of  instruction  in  our  hands,  and  enjoy  frequent  opportuni- 
ties of  presenting  ourselves  before  God  in  public  worship.  To 
thousands,  these,  so  far  from  being  advantages,  will  greatly  ag- 
gravate their  condemnation,  and  point  the  sting  of  the  never-d}'- 
ing  worm.  Better  were  it  for  us  to  have  been  inhabitants  of 
Tyre  and  Sidon,  Luke  x.  yea,  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  than  to 
appear  in  judgment  with  no  better  plea  than  this.  Neither  let  us 
speak  peace  to  ourselves,  because  we  are  not  so  bad  as  others, 
but  perhaps  live  decently  and  comfortably  ;  are  useful  in  society, 
and  perform  many  things  that  are  commonly  called  good  tvorks. 
If  these  works  spring  from  a  true  love  of  God,  if  they  are  framed 
according  to  the  rule  of  his  word,  if  they  are  performed  by  faith 
in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  they  are  undoubtedly  good,  and  shall 
be  rewarded  before  men  and  angels  :  if  otherwise,  you  have  al- 
ready your  reward,  in  the  complacence  of  your  own  minds,  and 
the  approbation  of  friends  and  acquaintance.  The  Christianity 
of  the  New  Testament  imports  more  than  all  this.  It  is,  to  be- 
lieve in  Jesus  Christ  ;  so  to  believe  in  him  as  to  obey  him  in  all 
his  commands,  to  trust  him  in  all  his  dispensations,  to  walk  in  his 
steps,  copying  out  the  bright  example  of  his  love,  meekness,  pa- 
tience, self-denial,  and  active  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the 
good  of  mankind.  It  is  from  a  consciousness  of  our  utter  inabili- 
ty to  perform  these  great  things,  to  depend  continually  upon  the 
promised  aid  and  direction  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  to  seek  this  assist- 
ance by  frequent  fervent  prayer,  to  ofi'er  up  ourselves  daily  as  liv- 
ing sacrifices  unto  God  ;  and,  finally,  when  we  have  done  all,  to 
be  deeply  sensible  of  our  unworthiness  of  the  least  of  his  mercies, 
to  confess  ourselves  unprofitable  servants,  and  to  place  all  our 
hopes  upon  this  faithful  saying,  '  That  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the 
world  to  save  sinners.' 

Thus,  from  the  consideration  of  the  person  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  greatness  of  our  misery  by  nature,  and  the  wonderful 
things  he  has  done  and  suti'ered  for  our  redemption,  we  may  learn 
the  complete  security  of  that  salvation  he  has  provided,  the  ex- 
treme danger  of  neglecting  it,  and  the  folly  and  presumption  of 
attempting  to  establish  a  righteousness  of  our  own,  independent  of 
him  '  who  is  appointed  of  God  unto  us,  wisdom,  righteousness, 
sanctification,  and  redemption,'  1  Cor.  I.  In  setting  these  things 
before  you  plainly  and  faithfully,  I  trust  I  have  delivered  my  own 
soul.  Time  is  short,  life  is  precarious,  and  perhaps,  to  some,  this 
may  be  the  last  opportunity  of  the  kind  that  may  be  afforded 


Ser.  3.]  ON  the  christian  name.  35 

them  ;  Gorl  grant  we  may  be  wise  in  time,  that,  '  to-day,  while 
it  is  called  to-day,'  we  may  hear  his  voice.  Then  we  shall  un- 
derstand more  of  the  text  than  words  can  teach  us  ;  then  we  shall 
experience  '  a  peace  which  passeth  all  understanding.'  Phil.  iv. 
*  a  joy'  which  '  a  stranger  intermeddleth  not  with,'  Prov.  xiv. 
and  a  hope  '  full  of  glory,'  which  shall  be  completed  in  the  end- 
less possession  of  those  '  pleasures  which  are  at  the  right  hand  of 
Gcd,'  Psalm  xvi.  where  sin,  and  its  inseparable  attendant,  sorrow, 
shall  cease  for  ever ;  where  '  there  shall  be  no  more  grief,  or 
pain,  or  fear,'  Rev.  xxi.  but  every  tear  shall  be  wiped  from  eve- 
ry eye. 


SERMON  III. 


ON  THE  CHRISTIAN  NAME. 


Acts,  xi.  £S.  latter  part. 
^ind  the  disciples  icerc  called  Christicms  first  at  Aniioch. 

The  evangelist  Luke  having  contributed  his  appointed  part  to 
the  history  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  proceeds,  in 
the  book  we  style  the  Acts  of  the  .'Ipostles,  to  inform  us  of  the 
state  and  behaviour  of  those  faithful  followers  he  left  behind  hiia 
on  earth,  when  he  ascended,  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  his  people, 
to  that  heaven  from  whence  his  love  had  brought  him  down. 
We  are  informed  that  the  gracious  promises  he  had  made  while 
he  was  yet  with  them,  began  soon  to  take  place  ;  for,  '  when  the 
day  of  Pentecost  was  fully  come,'  Acts.  ii.  the  Holy  Spirit  de- 
scended powerfully  upon  them,  qualified  them  for  preaching  the 
Gospel  to  the  whole  world,  and  gave  them  an  earnest  of  success, 
in  making  their  first  essay  the  happy  means  of  converting  about 
'  three  thousand  souls.' 

The  first  believers,  who  '  were  of  one  heart  and  one  soul,  who 
continued  stedfastly  in  the  apostle's  doctrine,  and  had  all  things 
in  common,'  would  probably  have  been  well  content  to  have  liv- 
ed together  in  Jerusalem,  till  deatli  had  successively  transplanted 
them  to  the  Jerusalem  which  is  above.  But  this  was  not  to  be 
their  rest :  and  their  Lord,  who  had  appointed  them  to  be  '  the 
salt  of  the  earth,'  and  '  the  light  of  the  world,'  Matth.  v.  made  use 
of  the  rage  of  their  enemies  to  eflect  that  separation  which  those 
who  arc  united  by  the  grace  of  God  are  often  so  loath  to  yield  to. 


36  ON    THE    CHRISTIAN    NAME-  [SeiV-  3. 

Little  did  Herod  and  the  Jews  consider  what  would  be  the  con- 
sequence of  the  persecution  they  raised  against  the  church  of 
Christ:  but  persecutors  are  always  blind,  and  counteract  their 
own  designs.  So  here  ;  for  we  are  told  that  those  whom  they 
scattered  abroad  '  went  every  where  preaching  the  word.'  Thus, 
the  word  of  the  Lord  '  ran  and  was  glorified  ;'  their  bitterest  ene- 
mies contributing  to  push  it  forward,  till,  in  a  few  years,  it  was 
published  'from  sea  to  sea,  and  from  the  river  to  the  ends  of  the 
earth,' Psalm  Ixxii. 

For  a  while  these  faithful  followers  of  the  Lamb  were  known 
only  by  particular  names,  according  to  the  different  humours  of 
diflerent  places  ;  JVazarenes,  Galileans,  the  people  of  that  way, 
pestilent  fellows,  and  the  like  ;  but  at  length,  when  they  grew 
more  numerous,  when  their  societies  were  regularly  formed,  and 
their  enemies  universally  alarmed,  they  began  to  bear  a  more 
general  and  emphatical  name.  St.  Luke  has  informed  us  that 
this  was  the  case  in  fact ;  and  has  likewise  told  us  where  it  was 
first  obtained  ;  and,  as  I  suppose  he  did  not  this  without  some  de- 
sign, I  shall  endeavour  to  draw  some  observations,  for  our  use  and 
direction,  from  this  remark  in  the  text,  that  '  the  disciples  were 
called  Christians  first  at  Antioch  ;'  which  I  shall  divide  into  two  : 
thus — That  the  first  general  name  by  which  the  disciples  were 
distinguished  from  the  world,  and  united  among  themselves,  was 
that  of  Christians  ;  and,  secondly.  That  this  took  place  at  Anti- 
och. Thus  the  propositions  lie  in  the  text ;  but,  in  treating  of 
each,  it  may  be  more  convenient  to  invert  this  order,  and  consider 
the  latter  as  previous  to  the  other. 

Now,  if  we  consider  the  state  of  the  city  of  Antioch,  hefore, 
at  the  time,  and  since  the  event  which  is  here  recorded  ;  from 
each  of  these  views  we  may  gather  some  lesson  of  instruction 
for  ourselves  ;  which  ought  to  be  our  view  in  all  we  read,  but 
especially  when  we  read  those  books  '  which  are  able  to  make 
us  wise  unto  salvation,'  and  where  no  one  sentence  is  insig- 
nificant. But  let  us  not  forget,  with  all  we  read  and  hear 
concerning  religion,  to  mingle  our  frequent  prayers  to  the 
great  Author  and  Fountain  of  all  grace,  for  that  aid  and  assist- 
ance of  his  Holy  Spirit  without  which  we  can  do  nothing  to 
advantage. 

Antioch,  the  capital  of  Syria,  built  about  three  hundred  years 
before  Christ,  had  long  been  the  most  flourishing  city  of  the 
East :  the  most  remarkable  circumstance  of  its  ancient  state,  as 
suiting  our  present  purpose,  was  its  having  been  the  seat  and  res- 
idence of  Antiochus,  the  most  cruel  and  inveterate  enemy  of  the 
church  and  people  of  God;  the  most  direct  and  eminent  type  of 
that  Antichrist  who  was  afterwards  to  appear  in  the  world  ;  spoken 


Ser.  3.]  ON  the  christian  name.  87 

of  expressly  by  prophecy  in  Daniel,  chap.  xi.  the  completion  of 
which  you  may  see  at  large  in  the  first  book  of  jMaccabees,  in 
Josephus,  and  more  briefly  in  the  79th  and  80th  psalms.  But 
behold  the  wisdom,  the  power,  and  the  providence  of  God  !  when 
his  people  were  brought  low,  he  helped  them  ;  he  set  those  bounds 
to  the  rage  of  the  adversary  which  could  not  be  broken  through ; 
and  at  length,  in  his  appointed  time,  he  erected  this  first  general 
standard  of  the  Gospel  upon  the  ver}'  spot  where  his  grand  ene- 
my had  so  long  encamped ;  and  from  whence  his  pernicious 
counsels  and  enterprises  had  so  far  proceeded.  The  application 
of  this  is  very  suitable  to  the  times  in  which  we  now  live.  We 
see  a  powerful  combination  against  the  Protestant  interest.  Our 
enemies  are  many  and  mighty  :  their  designs,  we  have  reason  to 
believe,  are  deep  laid,  and  their  cfToris  unwearied.  Once  and  again 
our  hopes  have  been  almost  swallowed  up :  and  though  we,  through 
the  singular  goodness  of  God,  have  hitherto  escaped,  the  storm 
has  fallen  heav}^  upon  our  brethren  abroad.  What  may  be  the 
immediate  issue  of  the  present  threatening  appearances,  we  know 
not :  but  we  may  encourage  ourselves  from  the  experience  of  past 
ages,  as  well  as  from  the  sure  promises  of  Scripture,  that  how- 
ever '  the  kings  of  the  earth  may  assemble,  and  the  rulers  take 
counsel  together,'  Psalm  ii.  God  '  has  a  hook  in  their  nose,  and  a 
bridle  in  their  jaws,'  Isa.  xxxvii.  and  all  their  force  and  policy  shall 
at  last  bring  about  what  they  least  desire  and  intend — tiie  w  elfare 
and  glory  of  God's  church.  He  that  caused  the  Christian  name 
to  go  forth  first  atAntioch,  where  the  truth  of  God  had  been  most 
eminently  and  successfully  opposed,  can  likewise  introduce  a 
temper  and  worship,  truly  Christian,  in  those  places  which  at 
present  seem  destitute  of  either.  And  for  this  it  is  our  duty  con- 
tinually to  pray. 

Again,  if  we  consider  the  state  of  Antioch  at  the  time  the  dis- 
ciples were^  first  called  Christians  there,  we  may  learn  how  to 
form  a  judgment  of  our  profession.  This  cit}-  was  then  luxuri- 
ous and  dissolute  to  a  proverb,  even  in  Asia,  where  luxury  and 
efl'eminacy  were  universally  prevalent.  Whether  this  name  was 
assumed  by  the  disciples,  or  imposed  by  their  enemies,  we  cannot 
doubt  but  that,  in  common  repute,  it  was  a  term  of  the  most  ex- 
treme reproach  and  ignominy.  Nor  can  I  suppose  the  worst 
appellations  any  sect  in  succeeding  ages  has  been  doomed  to 
bear,  have  implied  half  of  that  contempt  which  an  inhabitant  of 
Antioch  or  Daphne  expressed,  when  he  called  a  man  a  Christian. 
If  we  imagine  a  set  of  people,  who,  at  this  time,  in  Franco, 
should  style  themselves  the  disciples  of  the  late  Damien,  and  be 
called  after  his  name,  we  may,  perhaps,  form  some  idea  of  wiiat 
the  people  of  Antioch  understood  by  the  word  Christian.     The 


38  ON    THK    CHRISTIAN    NAME,  [Scr.  S. 

apostle  assures  us  that  he  and  his  brethren  were  '  accounted  the 
filth  and  offscouring;  of  all  things,'  1  Cor.  iv.  us  tfjpDca^apjxara  to" 
xoVfAou — ifavTuv  <7fspi-^r,ixa.  He  has  chosen  two  words  of  the  most 
vile  and  despicable  signification ;  which,  I  believe,  no  two  words 
in  our  language  will  fully  express.  The  outward  state  of  things 
is  since  changed,  and  the  external  profession  of  Christianty  is  now 
no  reproach  ;  but  let  us  not  imagine  the  nature  of  things  is  chang- 
ed too.  It  was  then  received  as  a  maxim,  that  '  all  who  will  live 
godly  in  Christ  Jesus,  must  suffer  persecution,'  2  Tim.  iii.  and  it 
is  a  truth  still,  founded  upon  Scripture,  and  confirmed  by  experi- 
ence. If  we  know  nothing  of  it  in  our  own  cases,  it  is  because 
our  tempers  and  manners  have  hitherto  been  too  conformable  to 
that  wicked  world  which  in  our  baptisms  we  were  engaged  to  re- 
nounce. I  shall  have  occasion  to  speak  further  upon  this  point 
before  I  close :  in  the  mean  time,  here  is  a  test  to  examine  our- 
selves by.  If  we  could  not  glory  in  the  Christian  name,  under 
the  same  circumstances  as  the  disciples  bore  it  at  Antioch,  we  are 
as  yet  unworthy  of  it.     Let  conscience  judge. 

Once  more  :  Antioch,  tiie  city  where  the  Gospel  once  so  flour- 
ished, that  from  thence  the  whole  Christian  church  received  that 
name  by  which  it  is  still  called,  is  now  no  more.  It  has  been  a 
heap  of  ruins  more  than  five  hundred  years.  The  light  of  the 
gospel  has  been  long  withdrawn  :  gaiety  and  festivity  are  like- 
wise forgot.  Slavery,  imposture,  and  barbarism,  have  blotted 
out  the  resemblance,  and  even  the  remembrance  of  what  it  once 
was.  O  that  our  yet  happy  land  could  from  hence  take  a  timely 
warning!  Our  pi'ivileges  are  great ;  perhaps  greater,  all  things 
considered,  than  any  nation  has  possessed  since  the  days  of  Solo- 
vmon.  Our  preservation  hitherto  has  been  wonderful ;  often  have 
we  been  in  extreme  danger,  but  have  alwax's  found  deliverance  at 
hand.  Yet  let  us  not  be  high  minded ;  our  sins  and  aggravations 
(it  is  to  be  feared)  have  been,  and  still  are,  very  great  likewise  ; 
and  God,  we  see,  is  no  more  a  respecter  of  places  than  of  persons. 
Antioch  is  ruined.  Rev.  iii.  Philadelphia,  which  received  so 
honourable  a  testimony  from  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  himself,  has 
been  long  since  destroyed.  Let  us  beware  of  boasting  ;  let  us 
not  presume  too  much  on  what  we  are ;  nor  say,  '  the  temple  of 
the  Lord,  the  temple  of  the  Lord  is  here,'  Jer.  vii.  we  are  the 
bulwark  of  the  Protestant  interest,  and  none  can  hurt  us.  If  the 
Lord  is  with  us,  it  is  true;  if  we  '  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation 
wherewith  we  are  called,'  we  are  safe  ;  but  if  otherwise,  we  know 
not  how  soon  God  may  visit  us  with  his  heavy  judgments,  war. 
famine,  discord,  or  pestilence,  till  we  become  a  warnhig  to  others, 
as  others  are  now  proposed  warnings  to  us.  Our  liberties,  our 
properties,  our  religion,  are  in  God's  hands  :  may  he  incline  our 


Ser.  3.]  ON  the  christian  name.  39 

hearts  to  true  repentance,  lest  at  length  these  blessings  should  be 
taken  from  us,  and  given  to  a  people  that  will  bring  forth  more 
fruit. 

There  is  an  ambiguity  in  the  original  word  p^pv;,aaTi(rai,  which 
our  translation  renders  called :  for  though  that  is  the  more  gen- 
eral sense  it  bears  in  Heathen  writers,  wherever  it  occurs  in  the 
New  Testament,  except  in  this  passage,  and  in  Rom.  vii.  3.  it  sig- 
nifies to  be  taught  or  warned  by  a  revelation  from  heaven.  Thus 
it  is  spoken  of  Joseph  and  the  wise  men,  Matt.  ii.  Simeon,  Luke 
ii.  Cornelius,  Acts  x.  Noah,  Heb.  xi.  and  elsewhere.  It  does  not, 
therefore,  appear  quite  certain  from  the  text,  whether  the  disciples 
chose  this  name  for  themselves,  or  the  wite  of  the  time  fixed  it 
upon  them  as  a  mark  of  infamy  ;  or,  lastly,  whether  it  was  by 
the  special  direction  of  the  Spirit  of  God  that  they  assumed  it. 
But  I  incline  to  the  latter  supposition  ;  partly,  because  in  those 
happy  days  it  was  the  practice  and  the  privilege  of  the  disciples 
to  ask,  and  to  receive,  directions  from  on  high  in  almost  every 
occurrence ;  but,  chiefly,  on  account  of  the  excellent  instructions 
couched  under  this  emphatical  name,  sufficient  to  direct  and  to 
animate  those  who  were  to  be  known  by  it,  in  their  duty  to  each 
other,  to  God,  and  to  the  world.  Some  of  these  I  propose  to 
infer  from  the  other  proposition  contained  in  the  text,  that  the  first 
name  by  which  the  followers  of  the  Gospel  were  generally  known 
was  that  of  Christians. 

Hitherto,  as  they  were  separated  from  the  world,  so  they  had 
been  divided  among  themselves  !  and  so  strong  were  prejudices 
subsisting  between  the  members  of  the  same  body,  that  we  find, 
in  the  beginning  of  this  chapter,  some  one  of  the  party  con- 
tended with  the  apostle  Peter  only  for  eating  with  those  of 
another.  Hence  we  read  the  phrases,  we  of.  the  Jews,  they  of 
the  Gentiles.  But  henceforward  they  are  taught  to  blend  and 
lose  the  greater  distinction  of  Jew  and  Gentile,  and  the  lesser 
divisions  of  Paul,  Apollos,  and  Cephas,  in  a  denomination  de- 
rived from  him  who  alone  was  worthy  to  be  their  head,  and  who 
was  equally  '  rich  in  mercy  to  all  that  call  upon  him '  in  every 
place. 

And  as  they  thus  were  taught  union  and  affection  among  them- 
selves, so  their  relation  to  God,  the  way  of  their  access  to  him, 
and  their  continual  dependence  upon  him,  were  strongly  implied 
in  this  name.  A  Christian  is  the  child  of  God  by  faith  in  Christ : 
he  draws  near  to  God  in  the  name  of  Christ :  he  is  led  and  sup- 
ported by  the  Spirit  of  Christ :  Christ  is  the  Alpha  and  the  Ome- 
ga, the  beginning  and  the  ending  of  the  faith,  hope,  and  love  of 
every  believer.  From  him  alone  ever\  good  desire  proceeds  : 
by  him  alone  every  good  purpose  is  established  ;    in  him  alone 


40  ON    THE    CHRISTIAN  NAME  [Scr.  3. 

any  of  our  best  performances  are  acceptable.  Let  us  beware  (it 
is  a  necessary  caution  in  these  days)  of  a  Christianity  without 
Christ.  I  testify  to  you  in  plain  words,  that  this  is  no  better  than 
a  house  without  a  foundation,  a  tree  without  a  root,  a  body  with- 
out a  head,  a  hope  without  a  hope :  a  delusion,  which,  if  persist- 
ed in,  will  end  in  irremediable  destruction  :  '  for  other  foundation 
can  no  man  lay,  than  that  which  is  laid,  Christ  Jesus  :'  he  is  the 
corner-stone,  '  chosen  of  God,  and  precious.'  Alas,  for  those 
who  are  offended  with  him  in  whom  God  is  well  pleased  !  but 
those  who  trust  in  him  shall  never  be  ashamed.  This  is  another 
important  lesson  comprised  in  the  word  Christian. 

Nor  is  this  all  ;  but  in  the  name  of  Christian  they  mighty  and 
we  may,  read  the  terms  upon  which  we  are  to  stand  with  the 
world.  If  I  was  asked  what  the  words  Platonist  or  Phythago- 
rean  signified,  I  should  say  they  expressed  certain  persons  who 
embraced  the  sentiments,  submitted  to  the  institutions,  and  imita- 
ted the  conduct  of  Pythagoras  and  Plato  ;  and  in  order  to  de- 
scribe them  further,  1  need  do  no  more  than  give  an  account  of 
the  lives  and  writings  of  their  respective  masters.  Could  I  thus, 
in  some  distant,  unknown  country,  where  the  name  of  Christianity 
had  been  only  heard  of,  have  an  opportunity  of  declaring  the  liis- 
tory,  the  doctrines,  and  the  laws  of  Jesus  Christ ;  how  he  lived, 
how  he  taught,  how  he  died,  and  upon  what  account ;  what  usage 
he  himself  received  from  the  world,  and  what  he  taught  his  fol- 
lowers to  expect  after  he  should  leave  them  :  if  I  should  then  de- 
scribe the  lives  and  the  treatment  of  his  most  eminent  servants, 
who  lived  immediately  after  him,  and  show,  '  that  as  he  was,  so 
were  they  in  the  world,'  1  John  iv.  that,  pursuing  his  pattern, 
they  found  exactly  the  same  opposition  ;  would  not  the  inhabi- 
tants of  such  a  country  conclude,  even  as  the  Scripture  has  as- 
sured us,  that  the  temper  of  Christianity,  and  the  temper  of  the 
world,  must  be  exactly  opposite  ;  and  that,  as  it  is  said,  '  Who- 
ever will  be  a  friend  of  the  world  is  an  enemy  of  God,'  James  iv. 
so,  whoever  had  boldness  to  profess  himself  a  friend  of  God, 
must  necessarily  be  an  enemy  to  the  world,  and  would  be  sure  to 
iind  the  world,  and  all  in  it,  at  sworn  enmity  with  him  ?  But  if 
I  should  further  tell  them,  that  though  the  same  laws,  the  same 
warnings,  and  the  same  examples,  still  subsist  :  yet  that  fierce 
opposition  I  have  spoken  of  is,  at  length,  nearly  over,  so  that  none 
arc  better  pleased  with  the  world,  or  more  agreeable  to  it,  than 
many  of  those  who  speak  most  honourably  of  the  Christian 
name  ;  would  not  these  people  immediately  infer,  that  one  of 
these  contending  powers  must  have  yielded  to  the  triumphant 
genius  of  the  oiher  ?  that  either  the  whole  world  were  become 
guch  Christians  as  those  who  were  first  styled  so  at  Antioch,  or 


Ser.  3.]  ON  thb  christian  name.  41 

tljat  modern  Christians  must  be,  for  the  most  part,  so  only  by 
profession,  and  have  neither  right  nor  pretence  to  their  ancient 
spirit  ?  And  coald  we  suppose,  further,  that  after  this  informa- 
tion, some  of  these  remote  people  were  to  land  at  Dover,  and 
make  the  tour  of  this  kingdom,  can  you  think  they  would  belong 
in  determining  which  of  these  is  indeed  the  case  ? 

Numbers  are  deceived  by  restraining  many  passages  in  the 
New  Testament  to  the  times  in  which  they  were  delivered,  though 
it  seems  to  have  been  the  great  care  of  the  apostles  to  prevent,  if 
possible,  our  making  tliis  mistake.  St.  John  having  expressly 
said,  '  If  any  man  love  the  world,  the  love  of  the  Father  is  not  in 
liim,'  immediately  explains  what  he  means  by  the  world,  namely, 
'  The  lust  of  the  flesh,  the  lust  of  the  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life,' 
1  John  ii.  If  high  distinction,  vain  show,  and  sensual  pleasure, 
make  no  part  of  the  world  at  this  day,  I  must  allow  that  we  have 
no  part  in  the  apostle's  decision,  nor  any  cause  to  observe  his 
caution  ;  but  if  these  things  are  as  highly  prized,  as  eagerly,  and 
almost  as  universallj^  pursued  now  in  Britain  as  they  were  six- 
teen hundred  years  since  at  Rome  and  Antioch,  surely  we  bear 
the  name  of  Christians  in  vain  ;  if  our  hopes  and  fears,  our  joys 
and  sorrows,  our  comforts  and  our  cares  are  not  very  diflerent 
from  those  of  the  G:enerality  among  whom  we  live.  '  If  any  man,' 
says  St.  Paul,  '  have  not  the  spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his,' 
Rom.  viii.  Now,  whatever  more  is  meant  by  the  phrase  of 
'  having  the  spirit  of  Christ,'  it  must  certainly  mean  thus  much 
at  least,  a  disposition  and  turn  of  mind  in  some  degree  conforma- 
ble to  the  mind  that  was  in  Christ  Jesus,  to  be  evidenced  by  a  life 
and  conversation  suitable  to  his  precepts  and  example.  '  He  was 
holy,  harmless,  undefiled,  separate  from  sinners  :  he  went  about 
doing  good,'  Heb.  vii.  He  was  gentle  and  compassionate,  meek 
and  patient  under  the  greatest  provocations  :  so  active  for  the 
glory  of  God  that  his  zeal,  by  a  strong  and  lively  figure,  is  said 
to  have  '  eaten  him  up,'  John  ii.  so  affected  with  the  worth  of 
souls,  that  he  wept  over  his  bitterest  enemies  :  so  intent  on  his 
charitable  designs  towards  men,  that  an  opportunity  of  helping 
or  instructing  them  was  as  meat  and  drink  when  he  was  hungry, 
John  iv.  and  made  hiui  forget  weariness  and  pain  :  so  full  of  de- 
votion towards  God,  that  when  the  day  had  been  wholly  consu- 
med in  his  labours  of  love,  he  would  frccjuently  redeem  whole 
nights  for  prayer  !  Luke  vi.  But  I  must  stop.  No  pen  can  de-- 
scribe,  no  heart  conceive,  the  life  of  the  Son  of  God  in  the  flesh  ! 
Yet,  in  all  these  things  he  was  our  great  exemplar;  and  no  pro- 
fession or  appellation  can  benefit  us,  unless  we  are  of  those  who 
copy  closely  and  carefully  after  him.  For  thus  saith  the  beloved 
apostle,  '  He  that  saith  l:c  abideth  in  him  oufirht  himself  so  to  walk 

Vol.  II.  6 


42  ON    THE    CHRISTIAN    NAME.  [Sei*.    S, 

even  as  he  walked.  He  that  saith,  1  know  him,  and  keepeth  not 
his  commandments,  is  a  liar,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  him,'  1 
John  ii. 

I  shall  conclude  with  a  short  address  to  three  sorts  of  persons. 
And,  first,  If  there  are  any  such  here,  (would  to  God  this  part  of 
my  labour  may  prove  needless,)  1  would  recommend  this  subject 
to  the  consideration  of  those  who  have  almost,  if  not  altogether^ 
cast  oft' the  honourable  name  into  which  they  were  baptized  ;  who, 
trusting  to  what  they  call  the  light  of  nature,  and  the  powers  of 
human  reason,  venture  to  determine  the  fitness  of  things  by  their 
own  standard,  and  declare  in  their  words,  as  well  as  by  their  ac- 
tions, '  they  will  not  have  this  man  to  rule  over  them,'  Luke  xix. 
Is  not  this  an  unaccountable  event  upon  your  plan,  that  the  name 
which  first  went  out  from  Antioch,  under  the  greatest  disadvanta- 
ges, should  so  soon  overspread  the  world,  without  arts  or  arms, 
without  any  force,  or  any  motive  of  an  external  kind  ?  Is  it  pos- 
sible that  any  kind  or  degree  of  enthusiasm  could  influence,  not  a 
feiv  at  one  time,  or  in  one  place,  but  midtitudes,  of  all  ages,  sex- 
es, tempers,  and  circumstances,  to  embrace  a  profession  which,  in 
proportion  to  the  strictness  wherewith  it  was  followed,  was  always 
attended  with  reproach  and  sutl'ering  ?  Those  places  Avhich  were 
most  noted  for  opposition  to  this  way,  have  been  long  since  bu- 
ried in  the  dust  :  but  a  succession  of  those  whom  the  world  count- 
ed '  not  worthy  to  live,'  and  '  of  whom  the  world  was  not  wor- 
thy,' Acts  XXV.  Heb.  xi.  has  always  subsisted,  and  still  subsists. 
Had  you  lived  in  those  days  when  Jesus  Christ  assured  a  com- 
pany of  poor,  disregarded  fishermen,  that  neither  the  power  no>^ 
the  policy  of  the  world,  nor  the  '  gates  of  hell  should  ever  prevail 
against  them,'  Matt.  xvi.  you  might  have  been  less  inexcusable 
in  refusing  to  believe  him.  But  now,  when  you  have  the  accom- 
plishment of  this  promise  before  your  eyes,  and  well  know  (for 
you  are  book  read)  what  various  attemj)ts  have  been  made,  with 
what  steadiness  and  formidable  appearances  the}  have  been  for  a 
while  carried  on,  to  render  these  words  vain,  but  how,  at  length, 
all  such  attempts  have  totally  failed,  and  ended  in  the  confusion 
and  ruin  of  those  who  engaged  in  them — what  tolerable  reasori 
can  you  assign  for  the  part  you  act  ?  Does  the  tendency  of  the 
Gospel  displease  you.''  Is  it  an  enemy  to  that  virtue  you  are  so 
fond  to  talk  of?  On  the  contrary,  we  are  ready  to  put  it  to  the 
proof,  that  here  are  not  only  the  sublimest  maxims  of  true  virtue, 
but  that  the  practice,  or  even  the  real  love  of  virtue,  are  quite 
unattainable  upon  any  other  scheme  ;  and  that  the  most  specious 
pretences,  independent  of  this,  are  no  more  than  great  '  swelling 
words  of  vanity,'  2  Pet.  ii.  I  speak  the  more  freely  upon  this 
point,  because  I  speak  from  experience.     I  was  once  as  you  are. 


Ser.  3.]  ON  .the  christian  name.  43 

I  verily  thought  thai  I  '  ought  to  do,'  (or  at  least  that  I  might 
do,)  '  many  things  against  Jesus  of  Nazareth,'  Acts,  xxvi.  None 
ever  went  further  than  I,  according  to  the  limits  of  my  years  and 
capacity,  in  opposing  the  truths  of  the  Gospel.  But  tlie  mercy 
of  God  spared  me  ;  and  his  providence  having  led  me  through 
various  changes  and  circumstances  of  life,  in  each  of  which  I  had 
a  still  deeper  conviction  of  my  former  errors,  has  at  length  given 
me  this  opportunity  to  tell  you,  (O  that  I  could  speak  it  to  your 
hearts,)  '  that  at  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee,'  sooner  or  later, 
•  must  bow,'  Phil.  ii.  before  him  every  heart  must  either  bend  or 
break  :  that  he  is  full  of  mercy,  love,  and  pardon,  to  all  that  sub- 
mit themselves  to  him  ;  but  that,  ere  long,  he  shall  be  *  revealed 
from  heaven  in  flaming  fire,  to  execute  judgment,  and  to  convince 
ungodly  sinners  of  all  the  hard  speeches  they  have  spoken  against 
him,'  Jude. 

I  would,  2dly,  address  those  who,  while  they  profess  to  believe 
in  the  Lord  Jesus,  do,  in  their  tvorks,  manifestly  deni/  him,  Tit.  i. 
This  is,  if  possible,  a  worse  case  than  the  other  ;  yet  how  fre- 
quent !  You  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world,  both 
to  be  a  propitiation  for  sin,  and  also  to  give  us  an  example  of  a 
godly  life,  and  yet  continue  contentedly  in  the  practice  of  those 
sins  for  which  he  poured  forth  his  soul,  in  the  pursuit  of  those  vi- 
ces which  the  Gospel  disallows,  and  in  the  indulgence  of  those 
desires  which  your  own  consciences  condemn.  Think,  I  entreat 
you,  of  these  words  in  the  50th  Psalm  :  '  Unto  the  wicked  God 
saith,  What  hast  thou  to  do,  that  thou  shouldst  take  my  covenant 
into  thy  mouth  :  seeing  thou  hatest  instruction,  and  castest  my 
words  behind  thee  ?'  This  question  is  now  proposed  to  our  con- 
sciences, that  we  may  be  aware,  in  time,  of  the  danger  of  insin- 
cerity ;  and  not  '  perish  with  a  lie  in  our  right  hands,'  Isa.  xliv. 
If  we  cannot  answer  it  now,  what  shall  we  say  in  that  awful  hour 
when  God  shall  speak  it  in  ten  thousand  thunders,  to  all  who,  in 
this  life,  presumed  to  mock  him  with  an  empty  outside  worship, 
'  drawing  near  him  with  their  lips,'  when  '  their  hearts  were  far 
from  him  .?'  Isa  xxix.  For  the  day  is  at  hand,  '  the  day  of  the 
Lord,'  when  God  shall  bring  '  every  hidden  thing  to  light,' 
when  every  man's  work  shall  be  tried  and  weighed  ;  tried  in  the 
fire  of  his  purity,  tveighed  in  the  balance  of  his  righteousness  ;  and 
as  the  issue  proves,  so  must  the  consequence  abide  to  all  eterni- 
ty :  a  trial  and  a  scrutiny  which  no  flesh  could  abide,  were  it  not 
for  the  interposing  merits  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  Saviour  and  our 
Judge.  But  he  has  already  told  us,  that  he  will  then  own  none 
but  those  who  were  faithfully  devoted  to  his  service  here.  To  the 
urgent  cries  and  strongest  pleas  of  others,  he  will  give  no  other 
answer  but  '  I  know  you  not ;  I  never  knew  you,'  Matt.  vii.  '  de- 


44  ON    THE    CHRISTIAN    NAME.  [Sci'.    3- 

part  iVom  me  ye  accursed,  into  everlasting  fire,'  Matt.  xxv.  What 
will  it  then  avail  to  plead  our  privileges,  when,  if  this  be  all,  we 
may  read  our  doom  already  ?  '  And  that  servant  who  knew  his 
master's  will,  and  prepared  not  himself,  neither  did  according  to 
his  will,  shall  be  beaten  with  many  stripes  :  for  unto  whomsoever 
much  is  given,  of  him  much  shall  be  required  ;  and  to  whom  men 
have  committed  much,  of  him  they  will  ask  the  more.  O  con- 
sider this,  ye  that  forget  God,  lest  he  tear  you  in  pieces,  and  there 
be  none  to  deliver,'  Luke  xii.  Psalm  i. 

Finally,  Let  those  who  through  grace  have  attained  to  worship 
God  '  in  spirit  and  in  truth,'  be  careful  to  adorn  and  hold  fast 
their  profession.  '  You  see  your  calling,  brethren  :'  let  the  name 
of  Christian  always  remind  you  of  your  high  obligation  to,  and 
continual  dependence  upon,  the  Author  of  your  taith.  Use  it  as 
a  means  to  animate  and  regulate  your  whole  behaviour ;  and  if, 
upon  some  occasions,  you  find  undeserved  ill  ofiices,  or  unkind 
constructions,  wonder  not  at  it :  thus  it  must  and  will  be,  more  or 
less,  to  all  who  would  '  exercise  themselves  in  keeping  a  con- 
science void  of  offence,'  Acts.  xxiv.  Yet  be  careful  to  model 
your  actions  by  the  rule  of  God's  word.  Our  Lord  says,  '  Bles- 
sed are  ye  when  men  revile  you,  and  say  all  manner  of  evil  against 
you  falsely,  for  my  sake,'  Matt.  v.  Observe,  first,  the  evil  spoken 
of  you  must  be  false  and  groundless ;  and,  2dly,  the  cause  must 
be  '  for  the  sake  of  Christ,'  and  not  for  any  singularities  of  your 
own,  either  in  sentiment  or  practice,  which  you  cannot  clearly 
maintain  from  Scripture.  It  is  a  general  blessing  when  the  inno- 
cence and  simplicity  of  the  dove  is  happily  blended  with  true 
wisdom.  It  is  a  mercy  to  be  kept  from  giving  unnecessary  of- 
fence in  these  times  of  division  and  discord.  Endeavour  that  a 
prmciple  of  love  to  God,  and  to  mankind  for  his  sake,  may  have 
place  in  all  your  actions  ;  this  will  be  a  secret,  seasonable,  and 
infallible  guide,  in  a  thousand  incidents,  where  particular  rules 
cannot  reach.  '  Be  sober,  be  vigilant ;'  '  continue  instant  in 
prayer;'  and  in  a  little  while  all  your  conflicts  shall  terminate  in 
conquest,  faith  shall  give  place  to  sight,  and  hope  to  possession. 
Yet  a  little  while,  and  '  Christ,  who  is  our  life,  shall  appear,'  Col. 
iii.  to  vindicate  his  truth,  to  put  a  final  end  to  all  evil  and  offence; 
and  then  we  also,  even  all  who  have  loved  him,  and  waited  for 
him,  '  shall  appear  with  him  in  glory.'  Isa.  xxv. 


SERMON  IV. 


ON  ALL  THINGS  BEING  GIVEN  US  WITH  CHRIST. 


Rom.  viii.  3-2. 

He  that  spared  not  Ms  oivn  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all,  hoiv  shall  he 
not  ivith  him  also  freely  give  us  all  things'? 

Various  have  been  the  disputes,  and  various  the  mistakes  of 
men,  concerning  the  things  of  God.  Too  often,  amidst  the  heat 
of  fierce  contending  parties,  truth  is  injured  by  both  sides,  be- 
friended by  neither.  Religion,  the  pretended  cause  of  our  many 
controversies,  is  sometimes  \vh0lI3'  unconcerned  in  them  :  I  mean 
'  that  pure  reHgion  and  undefiled,'  that  '  wisdom  which,  coming 
from  above,'  abounds  with  proof  of  its  divine  original,  being'  pure, 
peaceable,  gentle,  and  easy  to  been  treated,  full  of  mercy  and  good 
works,  without  partiality,  and  without  hypocrisy;'  James  iii.  Reli- 
gion is  a  serious  and  a  personal  concern.  It  arises  from  aright  know- 
ledge of  God  and  ourselves;  a  sense  of  the  great  things  he  has  done 
for  fallen  man  ;  a  persuasion,  or,  at  least,  a  well-grounded  hope, 
of  our  own  interest  in  his  favour;  and  a  principle  of  unbounded 
love  to  him  who  thus  first  loved  us.  It  consists  in  an  entire  sur- 
render of  ourselves,  and  our  all,  to  God  ;  in  setting  him  continu- 
ally before  us,  as  the  object  of  our  desires,  the  scope  and  inspec- 
tor of  our  actions,  and  our  only  refuge  and  hope  in  every  trouble : 
finally,  in  making  the  goodness  of  God  to  us  the  motive  and 
model  of  our  behaviour  to  our  fellow-creatures,  to  love,  pity,  re- 
lieve, instruct,  forbear,  and  forgive  them,  as  occasions  offer  ; 
because  we  ourselves  both  need  and  experience  these  things  at  the 
hand  of  our  heavenly  Father.  The  two  great  points  to  which  it 
tends,  and  which  it  urges  the  soul,  where  it  has  taken  place,  in- 
cessantly to  press  after,  are,  communion  with  God,  and  conformity 
to  him  ;  and,  as  neither  of  these  can  be  fully  attained  in  this  life, 
it  teaches  us  to  pant  after  a  better  ;  to  withdraw  our  thoughts 
and  aflections  from  temporal  things,  and  fix  them  on  that  eternal 
state,  where  we  trust  our  desires  shall  be  abundantly  satisfied: 
and  the  work  begun  hy  grace,  shall  be  crowned  with  glory. 

Such  is  the  religion  of  the  Gospel.  This  the  life  and  doctrine 
of  our  Lord,  and  the  writings  of  his  apostles,  jointly  recommend. 
An  excellent  abridgment  of  the  whole  we  have  in  this  eighth 
chapter  to  the  Romans,  describing  the  state,  temper,  practice, 
privileges,  and  immoveable  security  of  a  true  Christian.      Every 


46  ON    ALL    THINGS    BEING  [Sei*.   4. 

verse  is  rich  in  comfort  and  instruction,  and  might,  without  vio- 
lence, afford  a  theme  for  vokmies;  particularly,  that  which  1  have 
read  may  be  styled  evangelium  evangelii ;  a  complete  and  com- 
prehensive epitome  of  whatever  is  truly  worthy  our  knowledge 
and  our  hope.  The  limits  of  our  time  are  too  narrow  to  admit 
any  previous  remarks  on  the  context,  or,  indeed,  to  consider  the 
subject  according  to  the  order  of  an  exact  division  ;  therefore,  I 
shall  not  at  present  use  any  artificial  method  ;  but,  taking  the 
words  as  they  lie,  I  shall  offer  a  few  practical  observations, 
which  seem  naturally  and  immediately  to  arise  from  the  perusal 
of  them,  making  such  improvement  as  may  occur  as  I  go 
along.  And  may  the  Father  of  mercies,  who  has  put  this  treas- 
ure into  our  hands,  favour  us  with  his  gracious  presence  and 
blessing. 

I.  From  the  words,  '  He  spared  not  his  own  Son,'  we  may 
observe,  in  one  view,  the  wonderful  goodness,  and  inflexible  se- 
verity of  God.  So  great  was  his  goodness,  that  when  man  waSy 
by  sin,  rendered  incapable  of  any  happiness,  and  obnoxious  to 
all  misery  ;  incapable  of  restoring  himself,  or  of  receiving  the 
least  assistance  from  any  power  in  heaven  or  in  earth  ;  God  spar- 
ed not  his  only  begotten  Son,  but,  in  his  unexampled  love  to  the 
world,  gave  him,  who  alone  was  able  to  repair  the  breach.  Every 
gift  of  God  is  good  :  the  bounties  of  his  common  providence  are 
very  valuable  ;  that  he  should  continue  life,  and  supply  that  life 
with  food,  raiment,  and  a  variety  of  comforts,  to  those  who,  by 
rebellion,  had  forfeited  all,  was  wonderful :  but  what  are  all  infe- 
rior blessings,' compared  to  this  unspeakable  gift  of  the  Son  of 
his  love  ?  Abraham  had  given  many  proofs  of  his  love  and  obe- 
dience before  he  was  commanded  to  ofler  up  Isaac  upon  the  altar; 
but  God  seems  to  pass  by  all  that  went  before,  as  of  small  account 
in  comparison  of  this  last  instance  of  duty.  '  Now  I  know  that 
thou  fearcst  God,  seeing  thou  hast  not  withheld  thy  son,  thine 
only  son,  from  me,'  Gen.  xxii.  Surely  we  likewise  must  say, 
'  In  this  was  manifested  the  love  of  God  to  us,  because  he  gave 
his  Son,  his  only  Son,  to  be  the  life  of  the  world.'  But  all  com- 
parison fails  ;  Abraham  was  bound  in  duty,  bound  by  gratitude  ; 
neither,  was  it  a  free-will  oflering,  but  by  the  express  command 
of  God:  but  to  us  the  mercy  was  undesired,  as  well  as  unde- 
served. 'Herein  is  love  ;  not  that  we  loved  God;'  on  the  con- 
trary, we  were  enemies  to  him,  and  in  rebellion  against  him,  'but 
that  lie  loved  us,  and  sent  his  Son  to  be  the  propitiation  of  our 
sins,'  the  sins  wc  had  committed  again><t  himself.  My  friends, 
ought  not  this  love  to  meet  a  return  ?  Is  it  not  most  desirable  to 
be  able  to  say,  with  the  apostle,  on  good  grounds,  '  We  love  him 
because  he  first  loved  us  ?'     Should  it  not  be  our  continual  inqui- 


Ser.  4.]  GIVEN  us  with  christ.  47 

ry,  '  What  shall  \vc  render  to  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits  ?'  espe- 
cially for  this,  which  is  both  the  crown  and  the  spring-  of  all  the 
rest?  Are  we  cold  and  unafl'ected  at  this  astonishing  proof 
of  divine  love  ?  and  are  not  our  hearts  grieved  and  humbled  at 
our  own  ingratitude  ?  Then  are  we  ungrateful  and  insensible 
indeed  ! 

The  justice  and  severity  of  God  is  no  less  conspicuous  than  hi> 
goodness   in   these  words  :  as  he   spared  not   to  give  his  Son  for 
our  sakes,  so,  when  Christ  appeared  in  our  nature,  undertook  our 
cause,  and  was  charged  with  our  sins,  though  he  was  tlio  Father's 
well-beloved  Son,  '  he  was  not  spared.'     He  drank  the  bitter  cup 
of  the  wrath  of  God  to  tlie  very  dregs :  he  bore  all  the  shame, 
sorrow,  and  pain  ;  all  the  distress  of  body  and  mind,  that  must, 
otherwise,  have  fallen  upon  our  heads.      His  whole  life,  from  the 
manger  to  the  cross,  was  one  series  of  humiliation  and  suffering, 
John  xviii.     Observe  him  in  the  world,  despised,  vililied,  perse- 
cuted even  to  death,  by  unreasonable  and  wicked  men  ;  ridiculed, 
buffetted,  spit  upon  ;  and,  at  length,  nailed  to  the  accursed  tree  ! 
Consider  him  in  the  wilderness,  Luke  iv.  given  up  to  the  power, 
and  assaulted  by  the  temptations  of  the  devil !     Behold   him  in 
the  garden,  Luke  xxii.  and  say,  '  Was  ever  sorrow  like  unto  his 
sorrow,  wherewith  the  Lord  afBicted  him  in  the  day  of  his  fierce 
anger  ?'     How  inconceivable  must  that  agony  be  which  caused 
his   blood  to  forsake  its   wonted   channels,  and  start  from   every 
pore  of  his  body  !   Behold  him,  lastl}',  upon  tlie  cross.  Matt,  xxvii. 
suffering  the  most  painful  and  ignominious  death  ;  suspended  be- 
tween two  thieves  ;  surrounded  by  cruel  enemies,  who  made  sport 
of  his  pangs ;  derided  by  all  that  passed  by  !  Attend  to  his  dolo- 
rous cry,  expressive  of  an  inward  distress  beyond  all  we  have  yet 
spoken  of,  '  IMy  God,  my  God,  why   hast  thou   forsaken   me  ?' 
St.   Paul   reminds   the  Galatlans,  that,  by  his    preaching   among 
them,   Jesus  Christ  had  been  evidently  set  forth   crucified   before 
their  eyes,'  Gal.  iii.     Would  it  please  God  to  bless  my  poor  words 
Jo  the  like  purpose,  you  would  see  a  meaning  you  never  yet  ob- 
served in  that  awful  passage,    *  Tribulation,  and  wrath,   and  an- 
guish upon  every  soul    of  man  that  doeth  evil,'  Rom.  ii.  for  the 
j)unishment  due  to  the  sins  of  all  that  shall  stand  at  the  last  day 
on  the  right  hand  of  God  met  and  centered  in  Christ,  the  Lamb 
of  expiation  ;  nor  was  the  dreadful  weight  removed   till  he,  tri- 
umphant  ill   death,   pronounced,  '  It  is  finished,'  John  xix.     Let 
us  not  think   of  this  as  a  matter  of  speculalioii  only  ;  our   lives, 
our  precious  souls,  are  concerned  in  it.      Let  us  inicr  from  hence, 
how  'fearful  a  thing  it  is  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  living  God,' 
Heb.  X.     The  apostle  Peter,  2  Pet.  ii.  admonishes  those  to  whom 
he  wrote  from  th.e  fearful  example  of  the  angels  who  sinned,  and 


48  ON    ALL,    THINGS    BEING  [Scf.  4. 

of  the  old  world ;  where  the  same  word  is  used  as  in  my  text, 
oux  j^sitfcwo,  '  he  spared  them  not ;'  that  is,  he  punished  them  to 
the  utmost ;  he  did  not  aflbrd  them  the  least  mitigation.  It  is  a 
frequent  figure  of  speech,  by  which  much  more  is  understood 
than  is,  or  can  be  expressed.  Much  more  then,  may  we  say,  if 
God  '  spared  not  his  Son,  what  shall  be  the  end  of  those  who 
obey  not  the  Gospel  ?'  1  Pet.  iv.  l(  the  holy  Jesus  was  thus 
dealt  with,  when  he  was  only  accounted  a  sinner  by  imputation, 
where  shall  the  impenitent  and  the  ungodly  appear  ?  '  If  these 
things  wpre  done  in  the  green  tree,  what  shall  be  done  in  the  dry  ,'*' 
Luke  xxiii.  The  punishment  of  sin  in  the  soul,  in  a  future  state, 
is  tW'o-fold  :  the  wrath  of  God  in  all  its  dreadful  effects,  typified 
by  fire  unquenchable,  Mark  ix.  and  the  stings  of  conscience,  rep- 
resented by  a  worm  that  never  dies.  Our  Lord  endured  the  for- 
mer ;  but  the  other,  perhaps,  could  have  no  place  in  him,  who 
was  absolutely  perfect  and  sinless.  But  if  ti)e  prospect  of  one 
made  him  amazed  and  sorrowful  beyond  measure,  what  constern- 
ation must  the  concurrence  of  both  raise  in  the  wicked,  when  they 
shall  hear  and  feel  their  irrevocable  doom  !  May  we  have  grace 
so  to  reflect  on  these  things,  that  we  may  flee  for  safety  to  the 
hope  set  before  us,  to  Jesus  Christ,  the  only,  and  the  sure  refuge 
from  that  approaching  storm,  which  '  shall  sweep  away  all  the 
workers  of  iniquity  as  a  flood,  Isa.  xxiii. 

II.  Here,  as  in  a  glass,  we  may  see  the  evil  of  sin.  The  bitter 
fruits  of  sin  are,  indeed,  visible  every  where.  Sin  is  the  cause  of 
all  the  labour,  sickness,  pain,  and  grief  under  which  the  whole 
creation  groans.  Sin  often  makes  man  a  terror  and  a  burden, 
both  to  himself  and  those  about  him.  Sin  occasions  discord  and 
confusion  in  families,  cities,  and  kingdoms.  Sin  has  always  di- 
rected the  march,  and  ensured  the  success,  of  those  instruments  of 
divine  vengeance  whom  we  style  Mighty  Conquerors.  Those 
ravagers  of  mankind,  who  spread  devastation  and  horror 
far  and  wide,  and  ruin  more  in  a  few  days  than  ages  can  repair, 
have  only  afforded  so  man}  melancholy  proofs  of  the  malignity 
of  sin.  For  this,  a  shower  of  flaming  brimstone  fell  upon  a  whole 
country  ;  for  this,  an  overwhelming  deluge  destroyed  a  whole 
world  ;  for  tiiis,  principalities  and  powers  were  cast  from  heaven, 
and  are  reserved  mider  chains  of  darkness,  2  Pet.  ii.  to  a  more 
dreadful  doom.  But  none  of  these  things,  nor  all  of  them  to- 
gether, afibrd  such  a  conviction  of  the  heinous  nature  and  destruc- 
tive effects  of  sin  as  we  may  gather  from  these  words  '  He  spared 
jiot  his  own  Son.' 

III.  Here  we  may  likewise  see  the  value  of  the  human  soul. 
Wc  ordinarilv  jr.dge  of  the  worth  of  a  thing  by  the  price  which  a 
wise  man.  who  is  acquainted  \vith  its  intrinsic  excellency,  is  wil- 


Ser.  4.]  GIVEN  us  with  christ.  49 

ling-  to  give  for  it.  Now,  the  soul  of  man  was  of  such  estimation 
in  the  sight  of  God  who  made  it,  that,  when  it  w  as  sinking  into 
endless  ruin,  '  he  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  freely  delivered  him 
for  our  ransom.'  Two  things  especially  render  the  soul  thus  im- 
portant in  the  view  of  infinite  uisdom  :  first,  the  capacity  he  had 
given  it ;  for  '  he  formed  it  himself,'  Isa.  xliii.  capable  of  know- 
ing, serving,  and  enjoying  God  ;  and,  by  consequence,  incapable 
of  happiness  in  any  thing  beneath  him  ;  for  nothing  can  satisfy 
any  being  but  the  attainment  of  its  proper  end  :  and,  secondly, 
the  duration  he  had  assigned  it,  beyond  the  limits  of  time  and  the 
existence  of  the  material  world.  The  most  excellent  and  exalted 
being,  if  only  the  creature  of  a  day,  would  be  worthy  of  little  re- 
gard.* On  the  other  hand,  immortality  itself  would  be  of  small 
value  to  a  creature  that  could  rise  no  higher  than  the  pursuits  of 
animal  life.  But  in  the  soul  of  man  the  capability  of  complete 
happiness  or  exquisite  misery,  and  that  for  ever,  make  it  a  prize 
worthy  the  contention  of  different  w  orlds.  For  this  an  open  in- 
tercourse was  maintained  between  heaven  and  earth,  till  at  length 
the  Word  of  God  appeared  '  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,'  that, 
in  our  nature,  he  might  encounter  and  subdue  the  sworn  enemy 
of  our  species.  All  that  has  been  transacted  in  the  kingdoms  of 
providence  and  grace,  from  the  beginning  of  the  world,  has  been 
in  subserviency  to  this  grand  point,  the  redemption  of  the  death- 
less soul.  And  is  it  so  !  And  shall  there  be  found  among  us 
numbers  utterly  insensible  of  their  natural  dignity,  that  dare  dis- 
parage the  plan  of  infinite  wisdom,  and  stake  those  souls  for  tri- 
fles which  nothing  less  than  the  blood  of  Christ  could  redeem  ! 
There  is  need  to  use  great  plainness  of  speech  ;  the  matter  is  of 
the  utmost  u^eight  ;  be  not,  therefore,  offended  that  I  would  warn 
you  against  '  the  deceitfulness  of  sin.'  Sutler  not  your  hearts  to 
be  entangled  in  the  vanities  of  the  world  ;  either  they  will  fail, 
and  disappoint  you  in  life,  or  at  least  you  must  leave  them  behind 
you  when  you  die.  You  must  enter  an  invisible,  unknown  state, 
where  you  cannot  expect  to  meet  an}'  of  those  amusements  or  en- 
gagements which  you  now  find  so  necessary  to  pass  away  the  te- 
dious load  of  time  that  hangs  upon  your  hands.  You  to  whom  a 
few  hours  of  leisure  are  so  burdensome,  have  you  considered  how 
you  shall  be  able  to  support  an  eternity  ?  You  stand  upon  a 
brink,  and  all  about  you  is  uncertainty.  You  see,  of  your  ac- 
quaintance, some  or  other  daily  called  away,  some  who  were  as 
likely  to  live  as  yourselves.  You  know  not  but  you  may  be  the 
very  next.  You  cannot  be  certain  but  '  this  very  night  your  soul 
may  be  required  of  you,'  Luke  xii.     Perhaps  a  few  hours  may 

Vide  Young's  Night  Thoughts,  7th  Ni;ht. 
Vol.  If.  7. 


aO  UN    ALL    THINGS    li£lNG  [Scr.    4. 

introduce  yon  Into  the  presence  of  that  God  whom  you  have  been 
so  little  desirous  to  please.  And  can  you,  in  such  a  situation, 
sport  and  play  with  as  little  concern  as  the  lamb,  already  marked 
out  to  bleed  to-morrow  ?  Oh,  it  is  strange  !  How  fatally  has 
the  god  of  this  world  blinded  our  eyes  !  and  how  dreadful  must 
your  situation  be  in  death,  if  death  alone  can  undeceive  you  ! 

IV.  Lastly,  we  may  gather  from  all  these  words  the  certainty 
of  the  Gospel-salvation.  God  himself  delivered  up  his  Son  for 
us  all.  He  declared  himself  well  pleased  with  him.  Matt.  iii.  as 
our  Surety,  upon  his  first  entrance  on  his  work  ;  and  testified  his 
acceptance  of  his  undertaking,  in  that  he  raised  him  from  the 
dead,  and  received  him  into  heaven  as  our  Advocate.  Now,  '  if 
God  himself  be  thus  for  us,  who  can  be  against  us?'  Rom.  viii. 
If  he  who  only  has  a  right  to  judge  us  is  pleased  to  justify  us. 
'  who  can  lay  any  thing  to  our  charge.^  If  Christ,  who  died'  for 
our  sins,  and  is  risen  on  our  behalf,  has  engaged  to  '  intercede 
for  us,  who  shall  condemn  ?'  '  There  is  now  no  condemnation  to 
them  that  are  in  Christ  Jesus.'  Nor  is  this  all ;  but  every  thing 
we  stand  in  need  of  is  full}'  provided  ;  and  we  may  well  argue, 
as  the  apostle  has  taught  us  elsewhere,  '  If,  wjien  we  were  ene- 
mies, we  were  reconciled  to  God  by  the  death  of  his  Son,  much 
more,  being  reconciled,  we  shall  be  saved  by  his  life,'  Rom.  v.  or, 
as  in  the  passage  before  us,  'He  that  spared  not  his  own  Son, 
but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all,'  wb.en  we  were  alienated  from 
him,  '  how  shall  he  not  with  him  freely  give  us  all  things,'  now 
he  has  taught  us  to  pray,  and  given  us  his  own  promises  to  plead, 
for  all  we  ask  .'*  This  brings  me  to  the  second  clause  of  the  text : 
only  it  may  be  prpper,  before  I  enter  upon  it,  to  subjoin  two  cau" 
tions,  to  prevent  mistakes  from  what  has  been  alread}^  said. 

1st.  Let  us  remember  that  all  is  free  gift.  He  gave  his  Son  : 
he  ^ires  all  tilings  with  him.  The  Gospel  allows  noplace  for 
merit  of  our  own  in  any  respect.  There  was  no  moving  cause  in 
us,  unless  our  miser}'  may  he  deemed  such.  Our  deliverance,  in 
its  rise,  progress,  and  accomplishment,  must  be  ascribed  to  grace 
alone  ;  and  he  that  would  glory,  must  '  glory  in  the  Lord,'  1 
Cor.  1. 

2d.  Let  us  observe  the  apostle's  phrase.  He  says  not  absolute- 
ly for  all,  but  for  us  all  ;  that  is,  those  who  are  described  in  the 
former  part  of  the  chapter,  '  who  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God. 
who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  who  are  delivered  from  the  bondage 
of  corruption,'  who  have  liberty  to  call  God  '  Abba,  Father,'  and 
prove  their  relation  by  following  him  as  '  dear  children.'  Christ 
is  '  the  author  of  eternal  salvation  to  those  only  who  obey  him,' 
Heb.  V.  It  cannot  be  otherwise,  since  a  branch  of  that  salvation 
i?  to  deliver  us  '  from  our  sins,'  and  '  the  present  evil  world,'  Gal. 


Ser.  4.]  GIVEN  us  with  christ.  51 

i.  to  '  purify  us  from  dead  works,  to  serve  the  living  God.'  ^  Be 
not  deceived,  God  will  not  be  mocked  ;  whatsoever  a  man  sovv- 
eth,  that  shall  he  reap.  He  that  soweth  to  the  Hesh,  shall,'  not- 
withstanding all  that  Ch.rist  has  done  and  suffered,  yea,  so  mucli 
the  rather,  '  of  the  flesh  reap  corruption,'  Gal  vi. 

The  text  having  declared  that  God  spared  not  his  Son  for  our 
sakcs,  proceeds  to  infer,  that  '  with  him  he  will  assuredly  give  us 
all  things.'  Here  we  may  take  notice,  first,  that  the  words  all 
thi)i2!s  must  be  limited  to  such  as  are  needful  and  good  for  us.  It 
ma}'  be  said  of  many  of  our  desires,  'Ye  know  not  what  ye  ask," 
Matt.  XX.  in  such  cases,  the  best  answer  we  can  receive  is  a  denial. 
For  those  blessings  which  God  has  promised  absolutely  to  give, 
such  as  pardon,  grace,  and  eternal  life,  we  cannot  be  too  earnest 
or  explicit  in  ouv  prayers  ;  but  in  temporal  things  v\e  should  be 
careful  to  ask  nothing  but  with  submission  to  the  divine  will. 
The  promises,  it  is  true,  appertain  to  '  the  life  that  now  is,  as  well 
as  that  which  is  to  come,'  1  Tim.  iv.  '  Whether  Paul,  or  Apol- 
los,  or  Cephas,  or  life,  or  death,  or  things  present,  or  things  to 
come  ;  all  are  ours,  if  we  are  Christ's,'  1  Cor.  iii.  But  the  par- 
ticular mofZus  of  these  things  God  has  reserved  in  his  own  hands, 
to  bestow  them  as  best  shall  suit  our  various  tempers,  abilities, 
and  occasions.  And  well  for  us  that  it  is  so  ;  for  we  should  soon 
ruin  ourselves  if  left  to  our  own  choice  :  like  children,  who  are 
fond  to  m.eddle  with  what  would  hurt  them,  but  refuse  the  most 
salutary  medicines,  if  unpalatable  ;  so  we  often  pursue,  with,  earn- 
estness and  anxiet}-,  those  things  which,  if  we  coiiid  obtain  them, 
would  greatly  harm,  if  not  destroy  us.  Often,  too,  with  a  rash 
anrl  blind  impatience,  we  struggle  to  avoid  or  escape  those  diffi- 
culties which  God  sees  fit  to  appoint  for  the  most  gracious  and 
merciful  purposes — to  correct  our  pride  and  vanity,  to  exercise 
and  strengthen  our  faith,  to  wean  us  from  the  world,  to  teach  its 
a  closer  dependence  upon  himself,  and  to  awaken  our  desires  af- 
ter a  better  inheritance. 

Again,  as  God,  by  his  promise  freely  to  give  us  all  tilings,  has 
not  engaged  to  comply  with  the  measure  of  our  unreasonable^ 
short-sighted  wishes  ;  so,  neither  has  he  confined  himscif  as  to  the 
time  or  manner  of  bestowing  his  gifts.  The  blessing  we  seek, 
though  perhaps  not  wholly  improper,  may  be  at  present  unsea- 
sonable :  in  this  case  the  Lord  will  suspend  it  till  he  sees  it  will 
afford  us  the  comfort  and  satisfaction  he  intends  us  by  it ;  and 
then  we  shall  be  sure  to  have  it.  Sometimes  it  is  withheld  to  stir 
us  up  to  fervency  and  importunity  in  our  prayers,  sometimes  to 
jnake  it  doubly  welcome  and  valuable  when  it  comes.  So,  like- 
wise, as  to  the  manner.  We  ask  one  good  tiling,  and  he  gives  us 
an  equivalent  in  something  else  ;  and  when  vre  com.e  to  weigh  ^11 


5J  ON    ALL    THI.V(.5    BEING  [Sei*.    4. 

things,  wc  sec  cause  to  say  his  choice  was  best.  Thus  David  ac- 
knowledges :  '  In  the  day  that  I  called,  thou  didst  answer  rne,  and 
strengthenedst  me  with  strength  in  my  soul,'  Ps.  cxxxviii.  Da- 
vid asked  for  deliverance  from  trouble  ;  the  Lord  gave  him 
'strength  to  bear  it ;  and  he  allows  his  prayer  was  fully  answered. 
A  parallel  case  the  apostle  records :  he  besought  the  Lord  thrice, 
2  Cor  xii.  for  the  removal  of  that  trial  which  he  calls  '  a  thorn 
in  the  flesh  ;'  the  answer  he  received  was,  '  My  grace  is  sufficient 
for  thee.'  Such  an  assurance  was  more  valuable  than  the  deliv- 
erance he  sought  could  be.  Sometimes  we  seek  a  thing  in  a  way 
of  our  own,  by  means  and  instruments  of  our  own  devising.  God 
crosses  our  feeble  purposes,  that  he  may  give  us  the  pleasure  of 
receiving  it  immediately  from  himself.  It  were  easy  to  enlarge 
on  this  head  :  let  it  suftice  to  know,  our  concerns  are  in  his  hands 
w ho  does  '  all  things  well  ;'  and  who  will,  and  does  appoint  '  all 
to  work  together  for  our  good. 

From  the  latter  clause,  thus  limited  and  explained,  many  use- 
ful directions  might  be  drawn.  1  shall  only  mention  two  or  three, 
and  conclude. 

1st.  Since  we  are  told  that  God  freely  gives  us  all  things,  let 
us  learn  to  see  and  acknowledge  his  hand  in  all  we  have,  and  in 
all  we  meet  with.  When  Jacob  was  returning  to  Canaan,  after 
a  long  absence,  Gen.  xxxii.  the  fear  of  his  brother  Esau  occasion- 
ed him  to  divide  his  family  and  substance  into  separate  com- 
panies ;  and,  comparing  his  present  situation  with  the  poor  con- 
dition in  which  he  had  been  driven  from  home  twenty  years  be- 
fore, he  breaks  out  into  this  act  of  praise,  '  I  am  not  worthy,  O 
Lord,  of  all  thy  mercies ;  for  with  my  staff  I  passed  over  this  Jor- 
dan, and  now  I  am  become  two  bands  !'  How  pious  and  how 
cheering  was  this  reflection  !  And  afterwards.  Gen.  xxxiii.  when 
his  brother  Esau  asked  him  concerning  his  sons,  '  They  are  tlic 
children  (said  he)  which  God  has  graciously  given  thy  servant.' 
Such  a  deep  and  abiding  persuasion  of  the  Most  High  God,  or- 
dering and  over-ruling  all  our  concerns,  would,  like  the  light, 
diffuse  a  lustre. and  a  beauty  upon  every  thing  around  us.  To 
consider  every  comfort  of  life  as  an  effect  and  proof  of  the  divine 
favour  towards  us,  would,  like  the  feigned  alchymist's  stone,  turn 
all  our  possessions  to  gold,  and  stamp  a  value  upon  things  which 
a  common  eye  might  judge  indifferent.  Nor  is  this  more  than 
the  truth  :  '  The  hairs  of  our  head  are  all  numbered,'  Matt.  x. 
The  eye  of  divine  providence  is  upon  every  sparrow  of  the  field; 
nor  can  we  ])roperly  term  any  circumstance  of  our  lives  smoU, 
since  such  as  seem  most  trifling  in  themselves  do  often  give  birth 
to  those  which  we  judge  most  important.  On  the  other  hand,  to 
be  able  to  discover  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  our  heavenly 


Ser.  4.]  GIVEN  U3  with  christ.  53 

Father,  through  the  darkest  cloud  of  troubles  and  afHictlons  ;  to 
see  all  our  trials  appointed  to  us,  in  number,  weight,  and  measure; 
nothing  befalling  us  by  chance,  nothing  without  need,  nothing 
without  a  support,  nothing  without  a  designed  advantage  :  wiiat 
a  stay  must  these  apprehensions  be  to  the  soul  !  Take  away 
these,  and  man  is  the  most  forlorn,  helpless,  miserable  object  in 
the  world ;  pining  for  every  tiling  he  has  not,  trembling  for  every 
thing  he  has;  equally  sufi'ering  under  the  pressure  of  what  does 
happen,  and  the  fear  of  what  may  ;  liable  to  thousands  of  unsus- 
pected dangers,  yet  unable  to  guard  against  those  which  are  most 
obvious.  Were  there  no  future  life,  it  would  be  our  interest  to 
be  truly  and  uniformly  religious,  in  order  to  make  the  most  of 
this.  How  unhappy  must  they  be  to  whom  the  thoughts  of  a  God 
ever  present  is  a  burden  they  strive,  in  vain,  to  shake  off!  But 
let  us  learn  '  to  acknowledge  him  in  all  our  ways,'  and  then  '  he 
will  direct  and  bless  our  paths,'  Prov.  iii. 

2d.  Since  all  we  have  is  the  gift  of  God,  let  this  teach  us,  '  in 
whatever  state  we  are,  therewith  to  be  content.'  '  Our  heavenly 
Father  knoweth  what  we  have  need  of  before  we  ask  him,' Matt, 
vi.  '  The  earth  is  his,  and  the  fulness  thereof,'  Ps.  xxiv.  and  his 
goodness  is  equal  to  his  power  ;  a  proof  of  which  we  have  in  the 
text.  He  has  already  given  us  more  than  ten  thousand  worlds. 
Are  you  poor.^  Be  satisfied  with  the  Lord's  appointment.  It 
were  as  easy  to  him  to  give  you  large  estates,  as  to  supply  you 
with  the  bread  you  eat,  or  to  continue  your  breath  in  your  nos- 
trils ;  but  he  sees  poverty  best  for  you  ;  he  sees  prosperity  might 
prove  3'our  ruin  ;  therefore  he  has  appointed  you  the  honour  of 
being,  in  this  respect,  conformable  to  your  Lord,  who,  when  on 
earth,  '  had  not  where  to  lay  his  head,'  IVIatt.  viii..  Have  any  of 
you  lost  a  dear  friend  or  relative,  in  whose  life  you  thought  your 
own  lives  bound  up  ?  '  Be  still,  and  know  that  he  is  God,'  Ps. 
xlvi.  It  was  he  gave  you  that  friend ;  his  blessing  made  your 
friend  a  comfort  to  you  ;  and  though  the  stream  is  now  cut  off, 
the  fountain  is  still  llill.  Be  not  like  a  wild  bull  in  a  net;  the 
Lord  has  many  ways  to  turn  your  mourning  into  joy.  Are  any 
of  you  sick  ^  Think  how  the  compassionate  Jesus  healed  diseas- 
es, with  a  word,  in  the  days  of  his  flesh.  Has  he  not  the  same 
power  now  as  then.''  Has  he  not  the  same  love  ?  Has  he,  in  his 
■exalted  state,  forgot  his  poor,  languishing  members  here  below  i* 
No,  verily  ;  he  still  retains  his  sympathy  :  '  he  is  touched  with  a 
feeling  of  our  infirmities  ;  he  knows  onr  frame  ;  he  remembers  ne 
are  but  dust,'  Ps.  ciii.  It  is  because  sickness  is  better  for  you  than 
health,  that  he  thus  visits  30U.  He  dealt  in  the  same  manner  with 
Lazarus,  whom  he  loved,  Johnxi.  Resign  yourselves,  therefore, 
10  his  wisdom,  and  repose  in  his  love.     There  is  a  Iraid  where  the 


54  ON    ALL    THINGS    BEING,  {k.C.  Scr.  4. 

blessed  inhabitant  shall  no  more  say,  '  I  am  sick.'  Isa.  xxxiii.  and 
there  all  that  love  the  Lord  Jesus'  shall  shortly  be.  Are  any  of 
you  tempted  ?  '  Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation  ;  for 
when  he  is  tried  he  shall  receive  the  crown  of  life,  which  the  Lord 
has  promised  to  them  that  love  him,'  James  i.  Sure  you  need  no 
other  argument  to  be  content,  or,  shall  I  say,  to  rejoice  and  be 
exceeding  glad  .''  '  My  son,  despise  not  thou  the  chastening 
of  the  Lord,  nor  faint  when  thou  art  rebuked  of  him.  Heb. 
xii.  Be  it  in  poverty  or  losses,  in  body  or  mind,  in  your  own 
person  or  another's,  it  is  all  appointed  by  God,  and  shall  issue 
in  your  great  benefit,  if  you  arc  of  the  number  of  those  that  love 
him. 

3d.  Once  more  :  since  it  is  said  that  all  things  are  freely  given 
us  in  and  together  with  Christ,  let  us  give  all  diligence  to  make 
OUR  calling  and  election  sure,'  2  Pet.  1.  to  know  that  we  have  an 
interest  in  him  and  his  mediation;  and  then  (if  I  may  borrow  a 
common  expression)  we  are  made  for  ever.  The  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  sent  from  God  on  a  merciful  errand  to  a  lost  world,  did 
not  come  empty  :  no,  he  is  fraught  with  all  blessings,  suitable  to 
all  persons,  extending  to  all  times,  enduring  to  all  eternity.  O  ! 
make  it  your  great  care  to  know  him  and  to  please  him  :  study 
his  word,  call  upon  his  name,  frequent  his  ordinances,  observe  his 
sayings,  seek  to  know  him  as  the  only  ivay  to  God,  John  xiv.  the 
wa}'  to  pardon,  peace,  and  divine  communion  here,  and  to  com- 
plete happiness  hereafter.  When  once  you  can  say,  '  My  beloved 
is  mine,'  Sol.  Song  ii.  I  account  all  his  interest  my  own,  '  and  I  am 
his,'  I  have  given  myself  up  to  him  without  reserve  :  you  v.ill, 
you  must  be  happy.  You  will  be  interested  in  all  his  attributes 
and  communicable  perfections.  His  wisdom  will  be  your  high 
tower,  his  providence  your  constant  shield,  his  love  your  continu- 
al solace.  '  He  will  give  his  angels  charge  over  you  to  keep  you 
in  all  your  ways.'  Ps.  Ixxxi.  In  times  of  difiiculty  he  will  direct 
your  counsels ;  in  times  of  danger  he  will  fill  you  with  comfort, 
and  'keep'  you  'in  perfect  peace,'  Isa.  xxvi,  when  others  quake 
for  fear.  He  will  bless  your  basket  and  your  store,  your  sub- 
stance and  your  families  :  your  days  shall  happily  pass  in  doing 
your  Father's  will,  and  receiving  renewed  tokens  of  his  favour  ; 
and  at  night  you  shall  lie  down,  and  your  sleep  shall  be  sweet. 
When  afflictions  befall  you,  (for  these  likewise  arc  the  fruits  of 
love,)  you  shall  see  your  God  near  at  hand,  '  a  very  present  help 
in  trouble,'  Ps.  xlvi.  you  shall  find  your  strength  increased  in 
])voportion  to  your  trial  ;  you  shall  in  due  time  be  restored,  as 
gold  from  the  furnace,  purified  seven-fold,  to  praise  your  great 
Deliverej-.  Every  tiling  you  meet  in  life  ^hall  yield  you  profit ; 
and  death,  which  puts  a  fatal  period  to  the  hope  of  the  wicked  ; 


Ser.  5.]  ON  searching  the  scriptures.  55 

death,  at  whose  name  thousands  turn  pale,  shall  to  you  be  an  en- 
trance into  a  new  and  endless  life.  He  who  tasted  death /or  3'ou, 
Heb.  ii.  and  sanctified  it  to  you,  shall  lead  and  support  you  through 
that  dark  valley  :  3'ou  shall  shut  your  eyes  upon  the  things  of 
time,  to  open  them,  the  next  moment,  in  the  blissful  presence  of 
your  reconciled  God.  You,  that  a  minute  before  was  surrounded 
by  weeping,  helpless  friends,  shall,  in  an  instant,  be  transported 
and  inspired  to  join  in  that  glorious  song,  '  To  him  who  loved 
us,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood,  and  hath  made 
us  kings  and  priests  to  God  and  his  Father  ;  to  him  be  glory  and 
strength,  for  ever  and  ever.  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain, 
to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and  hon- 
our, and  glory,  and  blessing,'  Rev.  v.  Thus  '  blessed  shall  t!ie 
man  be  that  fears  the  Lord,'  Ps.  cxxviii.  '  Thus  shall  it  be 
done  (Esth.  vi.)  to  him  whom  the  King  delighteth  to  honour.' 
Ameu. 


SERMON  V. 


ON  SEAB.CHING  THE  SCRIPTURES. 


John  v.  yo. 

starch  the  Scriplures  ;  for  in  ihein  ye  think  ye  have  denial  life  :  and  ihey  arc 
they  which  testify  of  me. 

The  phrase  in  the  Greek  is  ambiguous  ^  and  may  be  either 
rendered,  according  to  our  reading,  as  a  command,  search  thr 
Scriptures ;  or  else  as  simply  affirming,  ye  do  search  the  Scriptures. 
And  as  the  words  were  spoken  to  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  wIk! 
were  exceedingly  studious  in  the  letter  of  the  Scriptures,  this  may. 
perhaps,  have  been  their  first  design.  '  The  difference  is  not  ma- 
terial;  and  either  sense  will  aiibrd  us  instruction.  }(  v.c  receive 
it  as  a  command,  we  should  consider  it  as  given  us  by  tlie  Lord 
himself,  whose  disciples  we  profess  to  be ;  as  bound  on  us  by  our 
own  acknowledgement,  since  in  them  we  think,  and  sa}".  we  have 
eternal  life  ;  and  as  absolute!}-  necessary  to  be  complied  witjj, 
since  it  is  these,  and  these  only,  testify  of  Christ,  in  the  know- 
ledge of  whom  our  eternal  life  consists.  If  we  should  under- 
stand it  in  the  latter  sense,  as  spoken  to  the  Scribes  and  Pharls(r>. 
it  may  give  us  a  usefid  caution  not  to  lay  too  murh    stres^^   eilh+^r 


66  ON    SEARCHING    THE    SCRIPTURES.  [Ser.    &. 

on  what  we  think  or  on  what  we  do.  For  these  persons  we  find 
had,  in  some  respects,  a  right  sentiment  of  the  holy  Scriptures  : 
they  believed  that  in  them  there  was  eternal  life  :  and,  in  a  sense 
likewise,  they  made  this  an  inducement  to  read,  yea,  to  search 
them,  but  though  they  thus  thought  and  thus  acted  ;  and  though 
the  Scriptures,  from  the  first  page  to  the  last,  do  testify  of 
Christ  ;  yet  they  could  not  understand  or  receive  this  testimo- 
ny, but  rejected  the  Messiah  whom  they  professed  to  hope  for, 
and  took  all  their  pains  in  searching  the  Scriptures  to  no  pur- 
pose. 

In  what  I  am  about  to  lay  before  you,  I  propose  the  following 
order  :  1st,  To  mention  a  few  requisites,  without  which  it  is  im- 
possible rightly  to  understand  the  Scriptures :  2d,  To  show  hottf 
the  Scriptures  testify  of  Christ :  3d,  To  consider  what  the  im- 
port of  their  testimony  is  :  4th,  To  press  the  practice  of  searching 
the  Scripture,  from  the  argument  used  in  the  text,  which  is  equally 
applicable  to  us  as  to  the  Jews  of  old,  '  that  in  them  we  think  we 
have  eternal  life.' 

I.  The  first  requisite  I  shall  mention  is  Sincerity :  I  mean  a  re- 
al desire  to  be  instructed  by  the  Scripture,  and  lo  submit  both  our 
sentiments  and  our  practices  to  be  controlled  and  directed  by  what 
we  read  there.  Without  this,  our  reading  and  searching  will  only 
issue  in  our  greater  condemnation,  and  bring  us  under  the  heavy 
doom  of  the  servant  that  knew  his  master's  will  and  did  it  not, 
A  remarkable  instance  of  this  we  have  in  the  42d  and  two  follow- 
ing chapters  of  Jeremiah.  After  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem, 
and  the  death  of  Gedaliah,  the  people  that  were  left  entreated 
the  prophet  to  inquire  of  the  Lord  for  them,  concerning  therr 
intended  removal  into  Egypt.  Their  request  was  fair  :  '  That 
the  Lord  thy  God  may  show  us  the  way  wherein  we  may  walk, 
and  the  thing  that  we  may  do.'  Their  engagement  was  very 
solenni  :  'The  Lord  be  a  true  and  faithful  witness  {)etween  us,  if 
we  do  not  even  according  to  all  things  for  the  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  shall  send  to  us.  Whether  it  be  good,  or  whether  it  be 
evil,  we  will  obey  the  voice  of  the  Lord  our  God,  to  whom  we 
send  thee.'  But  their  hypocrisy  was  most  detestable.  The  Lord, 
vvlu)  seeth  the  inmost  pi  rposes  of  the  soul,  could  not  be  put  oft' 
witii  their  fair  pretences.  He  sent  tlicm,  in  answer,  an  express 
prohibition  to  go  into  Egypt ;  assuring  them  that  his  curse  should 
ibllovv  them,  and  that  there  they  should  certainly  perish.  Yet 
they  went,  and  verified  what  the  prophet  had  told  them  :  *  For  ye 
dissembled  in  your  hearts,  when  ye  sent  me  to  the  Lord  your 
God,  saying,  pray  for  us  unto  the  Lord  our  God,  and  according 
to  all  that  the  Lord  our  God  shall  say,  so  declare  unto  us  and  we 
will  do  it.'     Then  they  spoke  out,  and,  like  themselves,  when  tliey 


Ser.  5.]  ON  searching  the  scBiPxmiES.  §7 

told  him,  '  As  for  the  word  whicli  tiioii  hast  spoken  unto  ns  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  we  will  not  hearken  unto  thee,  but  we  will 
certainly  do  whatever  thing  goeth  forth  out  of  our  own  mouth.' 
iVone  of  us  dare  sjieak  thus  in  express  terms  :  but  if  we  bring 
our  preconceived  opinions  or  purposes,  not  in  order  to  examine 
them  strictly  by  the  test  of  Scripture,  but  to  find  or  wrest  some 
passages  in  the  word  of  God  to  countenance  or  justify  ourselves ; 
jf  our  desire  is  not  simply  to  be  led  in  the  very  way  of  God's 
commandments  ;  if  we  are  not  really  willing  to  discover  every 
error  and  evil  that  may  be  in  us,  in  order  to  forsake  them,  we 
closely  imitate  these  deceitful,  obstinate,  insolent  Jews,  be  our 
pretences  ever  so  fair  ;  and  are  liable  to  the  like  dreadful  judg- 
ment for  our  hypocrisy  ;  the  curse  of  God  upon  our  devices  here, 
and  the  portion  of  his  enemies  hereafter. 

Where  this  sincerity  is  wanting,  every  thing  is  wrong  ;  neither 
praying,  nor  hearing,  nor  reading,  can  profit.  The  Scripture 
abounds  with  the  severest  threatenings  against  those  who  presume 
to  mock  the  all-seeing  God.  I  shall  only  produce  one  passage 
fl*om  Ezekiel  xiv.  5.  '  Son  of  man,  these  men  have  set  up  their 
idols  in  their  hearts,  and  put  the  stumbling-block  of  iniquity  be- 
fore their  faces  :  should  I  be  inquired  of  at  all  by  them.'*  Every 
man  of  the  house  of  Israel  that  setteth  up  his  idols  in  his  heart, 
and  putteth  the  stumbling-block  of  iniquity  before  his  face,  and 
Cometh  to  the  prophet,  I,  the  Lord  will  answer  him  that  cometh 
iiccording  to  the  multitude  of  his  idols.'  I  say  not  this  that  I 
would  have  any  one  throw  aside  the  ordinances  of  God,  especial- 
ly his  public  worship.  These  are  the  means  which  God  has  ap- 
pointed, in  which  he  has  commanded  us  to  wait,  and  w  here  he  is 
often  pleased  to  be  found,  even  by  those  who  seek  him  not.  But 
I  would  entreat  such  persons  seriously  to  consider  the  dreadful 
condition  they  would  be  in,  if  death  should  surprise  them  in  such 
a  state  of  insincerity  as  reiulers  their  very  prayers  and  sacrifices 
'  an  abomination  to  the  Lord,'  and  perverts  those  things  which 
are  designed  for  their  advantage  into  an  occasion  of  their 
falling. 

A  second  thing  necessary  is  DiUgence.  This,  with  the  former, 
is  finely  described  in  the  book  of  Proverbs.  '  My  son,  if  thou 
wilt  receive  my  words,  and  hide  my  commandment  within  thee  ; 
so  that  thou  incline  thine  ear  to  wisdom,  and  apply  thine  heart  to 
understanding  :  yea,  if  thou  criest  after  knowledge,  and  liftest  up 
thy  voice  for  understanding:  if  thou  seekest  her  as  silver,  and 
searchest  for  her  as  hid  treasiu-es  :  then  shalt  thou  understand  the 
fear  of  the  Lord,  and  find  the  knowledge  of  God,'  Prov.  ii.  The 
wisdom  of  God,  in  which  we  are  concerned,  is  contained  in  his^ 
word.     The  best  understanding  is  to  keep  his  commandments, 

Vol.  IL  3 


58  ON    SEARCHING    THE    SCRIPTURES.  [ScX.    5. 

Psalm  cxi.  but  we  cannot  keep  them  unless  we  know  them,  neither 
can  we  know  them  without  a  diligent  inquiry.  The  word  which 
is  rendered  search  spsuvaw,  is  borrowed  from  the  practice  of  miners: 
it  implies  two  things,  to  dig,  and  to  examine.  First,  with  much 
labour  they  pierce  the  earth  to  a  considerable  depth  ;  and  when 
they  have  thus  found  a  vein  of  precious  ore,  they  break  and  sift 
it,  and  suffer  no  part  to  escape  their  notice.  Thus  must  we  join 
frequent  assiduous  reading  with  close  and  awakened  meditation  ; 
comparing  spiritual  things  with  spiritual,  carefully  taking  notice 
of  the  circumstances,  occasion,  and  application  of  what  we  read  : 
being  assured  that  there  is  a  treasure  of  truth  and  happiness  under 
our  hands,  if  we  have  but  skill  to  discover  and  improve  it.  Only 
let  us  be  mindful  that  we  have  the  same  views  in  reading  the 
Scripture  that  God  has  in  revealing  it  to  us  ;  which  the  apostle 
thus  enumerates  :  '  All  Scripture,'  or  the  whole  Scripture,  'xada 
y^uiTtri,  '  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doc- 
trine, for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness, 
that  the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  to  ev- 
ery good  work,'  2  Tim.  iii.  And  elsewhere  it  is  said  to  be  able 
to  make  us  '  wise  unto  salvation.'  How  absurd  would  it  be  for  a 
man  to  read  a  treatise  of  husbandry  with  a  design  of  learning 
navigation,  or  to  seek  the  principles  of  trade  and  commerce  in  an  es- 
say on  music !  No  less  absurd  is  it  to  read  or  study  the  Scriptures  with 
any  other  view  than  to  receive  its  doctrines,  submit  to  its  reproofs, 
and  obey  its  precepts,  that  we  may  be  made  '  wise  unto  salvation.' 
All  disquisitions  and  criticisms  that  stop  short  of  this,  that  do  not 
amend  the  heart  as  well  as  furnish  the  head,  are  empty  and  dan- 
gerous, at  least  to  ourselves,  whatever  use  they  may  be  of  to 
others.  An  experience  of  this  caused  a  learned  critic  and  emi- 
nent commentator  (Grotius)  to  confess,  towards  the  close  of  liis 
life,  T^iiam prorsus  perdidl,  lahoriose  nihil  agendo  !  Alas,  I  have 
wasted  my  life  in  mucii  labour  to  no  purpose  !  But,  on  the  con- 
trary, when  we  are  diligent  and  studious,  that  we  may  be  bet- 
ter acquainted  with  the  divine  precepts  and  promises,  and  better 
inclined  to  observe  and  trust  them,  then  we  may  hope  for  happy 
success  ;  for,  '  blessed  is  the  man  whose  delight  is  in  the  law  of 
the  Lord,  and  who  meditates  therein  day  and  night :  for  he  shall 
be  like  a  tree  planted  by  rivers  of  waters,  which  bringeth  forth  its 
fruit  in  due  season  ;  his  leaf  also  shall  not  wither,  and  whatsoever 
he  doeth,'  under  this  influence,  '  shall  prosper,'  Psalm  i.  Thus 
God  has  promised,  and  thus  many  have  found  it,  and  been  ena- 
bled to  adopt  the  words  of  David,  '  Thou,  through  thy  command- 
ments, hast  made  me  wiser  than  my  enemies,  for  they  are  ever 
M'ith  me  :  1  have  more  understanding  than  all  my  teachers,  for 
thy  testimonies  are  my  meditation.'  Ps.  cxix. 


Ser.  5.]  ON  searching  the  scRiPTURRSi  59 

Humility  is  a  third  thing  very  necessary  to  a  profitable  perusal 
of  the  Scriptures.  '  God  giveth  his  grace  to  the  humble,'  James 
iv.  '  He  will  guide  the  meek  in  Judgment,  he  will  enlighten  the 
simple  in  his  way,'  Ps.  xxv.  The  proud  he  resisteth,  avriraCrfsrai 
he  draws  up  against  him,  he  prepares  himself,  as  it  were,  with  his 
whole  force,  to  oppose  his  progress.  A  most  formidable  expres- 
sion !  If  God  only  leaves  us  to  ourselves,  we  are  all  ignorance 
and  darkness  ;  but  what  must  be  the  dreadful  case  of  those  against 
whom  he  appears  in  arms!  This  has  been  a  principal  source  of 
iliose  various  and  opposite  heresies  and  mistakes,  which  are  the 
reproach  of  our  holy  profession,  tliat  vain  man,  though  born  a 
mere  '  wild  ass's  colt,'  Job  xi.  has  undertaken,  by  his  own  strength 
and  wisdom,  to  decide  authoritatively  on  the  meaning  of  Scrip- 
ture; without  being  aware  of  the  ignorance,  prejudice,  and  weak- 
ness, which  influence  his  judgment  in  religious  matters  ;  without 
knowing  the  utter  inability  of  the  natural  man  to  discern  the 
things  of  God,  and  without  attending  to  those  means  the  Scrip- 
ture itself  has  appointed  for  the  redress  of  these  evils.  But 
would  w^e  not  lose  our  time  and  pains,  would  we  wish  not  to  be 
misled  ourselves,  or  not  to  mislead  others,  let  us  aim  at  a  humble 
spirit ;  let  us  reflect  much  on  the  majesty  and  grandeur  of  the 
God  we  serve:  let  us  adore  his  condescension  in  favouring  us  with 
a  revelation  of  his  will;  let  us  learn  to  consider  the  word  of  God, 
and  the  wisdom  of  God,  as  terms  of  the  same  import ;  in  a  word, 
let  us  study  to  know  ourselves,  our  sinfulness  and  ignorance;  then 
we  shall  no  longer  read  the  Scriptures  with  indiflerence  or  pre- 
possession, but  with  the  greatest  reverence  and  attention,  and  with 
the  most  enlarged  expectation. 

I  shall  mention  but  one  thing  more  upon  this  head,  whi -h  is  as 
necessary  in  itself  as  any  of  the  preceding,  and  likewise  necessa- 
ry in  order  to  obtain  them,  and  that  is  Prayer.  Smcerity,  dili- 
gence, and  humility,  are  the  gifts  of  God  ;  the  blessing  we  seek 
in  the  exercise  of  them  is  in  his  hands  ;  and  he  has  promised  to 
bestow  all  good  things,  even  '  his  Holy  Spirit,  upon  those  who 
ask  him.'  Prayer  is,  indeed,  the  best  half  of  our  business  while 
upon  earth,  and  that  which  gives  spirit  and  eflicacy  to  all  the  rest. 
Prayer  is  not  only  our  immediate  duty,  but  the  highest  dignity, 
the  richest  privilege  we  are  capable  of  receiving  on  this  side  eter- 
nity ;  and  the  neglect  of  it  implies  the  deepest  guilt,  and  includes 
the  heaviest  punishment.  A  stranger  to  prayer  is  equally  astran- 
ger  to  God  and  to  happiness,  'like  a  wave  of  the  sea,  driven  with 
the  wind  and  tossed,'  James  i.  Are  any  of  you,  my  friends,  un- 
acquainted with  prayer  ?  Then  are  you  without  God  in  the 
world,  without  a  "uruide  in  prosperity,  without  resource  in  distress, 
without  true  comfort  in  life,  and,  while  you  continue  so,  without 


60  ON    SEARCHING    THE    SCRIPTURES'.  fScr.  5. 

hope  in  deatii.     But,  especially,  you  are   utterly  unqualified  to 

*  search  the  Scripture.'  There  is  a  veil  upon  the  mind  and  heart 
of  every  man,  (as  the  apostle  assures  us,  2  Cor.  iii,)  so  that  he 
can  neither  see  nor  embrace  heavenly  truths  till  this  impediment 
is  removed  :  the  means  of  this  is  prayer.     Therefore  David  sa3's, 

*  Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  behold  wondrous  things  out  of 
thy  law,'  Ps.  cxix.  He  knew  there  were  wonderful  things  con- 
tained in  the  law,  but  confesses  himself  incapable  of  discerning 
them  till  the  Lord  should  interpose.  This  he  has  promised  to  do 
in  behalf  of  all  who  call  upon  him.  But  those  who  seek  not  as- 
sistance from  God  can  find  it  no  where  else  :  for  '  every  good  and 
perfect  gift  is  from  above,  and  cometh  down  from  the  Father  of 
lights,'  James  i.  who  hath  said,  '  If  any  man  lack  wisdom,  let  him 
ask  of  God.'  A  critical  knowledge  of  the  original  languages,  a 
skill  in  the  customs  and  manners  of  the  ancients,  an  acquaintance 
with  the  Greek  and  Roman  classics,  a  perusal  of  councils,  fathers, 
scholiasts,  and  commentators,  a  readiness  in  the  subtleties  of  logi- 
cal disputation  ;  these,  in  their  proper  place  and  suljserviency, 
may  be  of  considerable  use  to  clear,  illustrate,  or  enforce  the  doc- 
trines of  Scripture  :  but  unless  they  are  governed  by  a  temper  of 
humility  and  prayer  :  unless  the  man  that  possesses  them,  ac- 
counts them  altogether  as  nothing,  without  that  assistance  of  the 
Spirit  of  God  which  is  promised  to  guide  believers  into  all  truth  ; 
unless  he  seeks  and  prays  for  this  guidance  no  less  earnestly  than 
those  who  understand  nothing  but  their  mother  tongue  ;  1  make 
no  scruple  to  affirm,  that  all  his  apparatus  of  knowledge  only 
tends  to  lead  him  so  much  the  further  astray  ;  and  that  a  plain 
honest  ploughman,  who  reads  no  book  but  his  Bible,  and  has  no 
teacher  but  the  God  to  whom  he  prays  in  secret,  stands  abundant- 
ly fairer  for  the  attainment  of  true  skill  in  divinity.  But  happy 
he  who,  by  faith  and  prayer,  can  realize  the  divine  presence  al- 
ways with  him  !  who  is  sincere  in  his  intentions,  diligent  in  the 
use  of  means,  diffident  of  himself,  yet  full  of  trust  and  hope  that 
God,  whom  he  desires  to  serve,  will  lead  and  guide  him  in  the 
paths  of  peace  and  righteousness  for  his  mercy's  sake,  Psal.  xxxi. 
Those  things  which  are  necessary  for  him  to  know,  shall  be  made 
so  plain  that  he  shall  not  mistake  them  ;  and  those  things  with 
which  he  is  not  so  immediately  concerned,  shall  at  least  teach  him 
humility  ;  teach  him  to  adore  the  depths  of  divine  wisdom,  and  to 
long  for  that  hour,  when  '  all  that  Is  imperfect  shall  be  done  avvky; 
when  we  shall  no  more  see  in  part,  but  shall  know  even  as  we  arc 
known.'  1  Cor.  xiii. 

II.  I  proceed  to  the  second  thing  proposed.  To  show  how  the 
Scriptures  testify  of  Christ.  In  general,  it  may  be  said  that  he  is 
tjie  main  design  and  subject,  both  of  the  whole  Scripture,  and  of 


Ser.    6.]  ON    SEARCHING    THt    SCRIPTURES.  61 

each  particular  book.  This  will  be  easily  allowed  of  the  New 
Testament,  but  is  not  so  obvious  with  regard  to  several  parts  of 
the  Old  :  1  hope,  therefore,  it  will  not  be  unacceptable  to  those 
who  love  the  word  of  God,  if  I  consider  this  point  something  at 
large,  and  help  them  to  discover  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  almost 
every  page  of  the  Bible.  This  will  be  a  new  inducement  to  them 
to  search  the  Scriptures,  when  they  shall  perceive  that  many  pas- 
sages which  they  were  accustomed  to  read  with  indifference,  as 
hardly  able  to  discern  any  wisdom  or  meaning  in  them,  do  direct- 
ly testify  of  Christ. 

What  is  expressed  in  the  Old  Testament  (for  of  this  I  am  now 
to  speak)  concerning  Christ,  may  be  reduced  to  three  heads  ; 
prophecies,  types,  and  ceremonies.  To  open  and  trace  these  in 
their  proper  extent,  would  require  volumes ;  but  it  is  only  a  hint 
of  each  that  the  bounds  of  our  present  meeting  will  permit  me  to 
offer. 

The  first  glimmering  of  light  which  dawned  upon  a  lost  world 
was  that  promise  (for  I  consider  the  promises  as  a  branch  of  pro- 
phecy) which  God  (who,  in  the  midst  of  'judgment  remembers 
mercy')  made  to  the  woman,  that  '  her  seed  should  bruise  the  ser- 
pent's head,'  Gen.  iii.  This  was  absolute  and  general,  giving 
hopes  of  a  recovery,  but  no  information  of  person,  time,  or  place  ^ 
but  the  path  of '  this  just  one  was  as  the  light  which  shineth  more 
and  more  to  the  perfect  day,'  Prov.  iv.  In  the  time  of  Noah,  the 
hope  and  desire  of  all  nations  was  restrained  to  the  line  of  Shem, 
Gen.  ix.  and  afterwards,  more  expressly  to  the  family  of  Abra- 
ham ;  when  this  divided  into  two  branches,  God,  to  show  that  his 
purpose  is  of  himself,  and  that  he  will  do  as  pleaseth  him  with  his 
own,  set  aside  the  elder,  and  confirmed  to  Jacob,  the  youngerj 
*  that  in  his  seed  all  the  families  of  the  earth  should  be  blessed,' 
Gen.  xxviii.  Jacob  had  twelve  sons,  which  made  a  still  more 
explicit  restriction  necessary  :  accordingly  the  Patriarch,  before 
his  death,  declared  this  high  privilege  of  perpetuating  the  line  of 
the  Messiah  was  fixed  in  the  tribe  of  Judah,  Gen.  xlix.  and  the 
time  of  his  advent  was  obscurely  marked  out  by  the  promise. 
'  that  the  sceptre  should  not  depart  from  Judah  till  the  Shiloh 
come.'  The  last  personal  limitation  was  to  David,  1  Chron.  xvii. 
that  o(his  family  God  would  raise  up  the  King  who  should  relgii 
for  ever,  and  over  all.  Succeeding  prophets  gradually  foretold 
the  time,  place,  and  circumstances  of  his  birth,  the  actions  of  his 
life,  the  tenor  of  his  doctrine,  the  success  he  met  with,  and  the 
cnuse,  design,  and  manner  of  his  sufferings  and  death  j  in  short., 
to  almost  every  thing  that  we  reaa  in  the  Gospel,  we  may  annex 
the  observation  that  the  evangelists  have  made  upon  a  few  instan- 
ces,  (in  order,  as  it  may  be  presumed,  to  direct  us  in  searching 


63  ON    SEARCHING    THE    SCKIPTURES.  [Sfer.    6, 

out  the  rest,)  '  then  was  fulfilled  that  which  was  spoken  by  the 
prophets.'  From  them  we  learn  that  the  Messiah  should  be  born 
of  a  virgin,  in  Bethlehem  of  Judah,  four  hundred  and  ninety 
years  after  the  commandment  given  to  rebuild  Jerusalem  ;  that 
he  should  begin  his  ministry  in  Galilee  ;  that  he  should  be  despi- 
sed and  rejected  of  men,  betrayed  by  one  of  his  disciples,  sold  for 
thirty  pieces  of  silver,  with  which  money  the  Potter's  field  should 
be  afterwards  purchased  :  '  that  he  should  be  cut  off,  but  not  for 
himself  ;'  and  that  his  death  should  be  followed  by  the  sudden  and 
total  ruin  of  the  Jewish  government.  To  compare  these  promises 
and  prophecies  among  themselves,  and  with  their  exact  accom- 
plishment recorded  in  the  New  Testament,  this  alone  would  en- 
gage us  in  a  close  and  profitable  search  into  the  Scriptures,  and 
would  afford  us  the  most  convincing  proofs  of  their  divine  origi- 
nal and  excellence. 

The  types  of  Christ  in  the  Old  Testament  maybe  considered 
as  twofold,  personal  and  relative  :  the  former  describing,  under 
the  vail  of  history,  his  character  and  offices  as  considered  in  him- 
self; the  latter  teaching,  under  a  variety  of  metaphors,  the  ad- 
vantages those  who  believe  in  him  should  receive  from  him. 
Thus  Adam,  Enoch,  Melchizedec,  Isaac,  Joseph,  Moses,  Aaron, 
Joshua,  Sampson,  David,  Solomon,  and  others,  were,  in  different 
respects,  types  or  figures  of  Christ.  Some  more  immediately 
represented  his  person  :  others  prefigured  his  humiliation  ;  oth- 
ers referred  to  his  exaltation,  dominion,  and  glory.  So,  in  the 
latter  sense,  the  ark  of  Noah,  the  rainbow,  the  manna,  the  brazen 
serpent,  the  cities  of  refuge,  were  so  many  emblems  pointing  out 
the  nature,  necessity,  means,  and  security  of  that  salvation  which 
the  Messiah  was  to  establish  for  his  people.  Nor  are  these  fanci- 
ful allusions  of  our  own  making,  but  warranted  and  taught  in 
Scripture,  and  easily  proved  from  thence,  would  time  permit ; 
for,  indeed,  there  is  not  one  of  these  persons  or  things  which  I 
have  named  but  would  furnish  matter  for  a  long  discourse,  if 
closely  considered  in  this  view,  as  typical  of  the  promised  Re- 
deemer. 

The  like  may  be  said  of  the  Levitical  ceremonies.  The  law 
of  Moses  is,  in  this  sense,  a  happy  school-master  to  lead  us  unto 
Christ,  Gal.  iii.  and  it  may  be  proved  beyond  contradiction,  that 
in  these  the  Go.'^pel  was  preached  of  old  to  all  those  Israelites  in- 
deed, whose  hearts  were  right  with  God,  and  whose  understand- 
ings were  enlightened  by  his  Spirit.  The  ark  of  the  covenant, 
the  mercy-seat,  the  tabernacle,  the  incense,  the  altar,  the  offerings, 
the  high  priest  with  his  ornaments  and  garments,  the  laws  rela- 
ting to  the  leprosy,  the  Nazarite,  and  the  redemption  of  lands ; 
all  these,  and  many  more  which  I  have  not  time  to  mention,  had 


Ser.  5.]  ON  searching  the  scriptures.  C3 

a  deep  and  important  meaning  beyond  their  outward  appearance  ; 
each,  in  their  place,  pointed  to  '  the  Lamb  of  God  ulio  was  to 
take  away  the  sins  of  the  world,'  John  i.  derived  their  efficacy /roOT 
him,  and  received  their  full  accomplishment  in  him. 

Thus  the  Old  and  New  Testament  do  mutually  illustrate  each 
other ;  nor  can  either  be  well  understood  singly.  The  Old  Tes- 
tament, in  histories,  types,  prophecies,  and  ceremonies,  strongly 
delineate  Him  who,  in  the  fulness  of  time,  was  to  come  into  the 
world  to  elTect  a  reconciliation  between  God  and  man.  The 
J^ew  Testament  shows  that  all  these  characters  and  circumstances 
were  actually  fulfilled  in  Jesus  of  Nazareth  ;  that  it  was  he  of 
whom  '  Moses  in  the  law  and  the  prophets  did  write  ;'  and  that 
we  are  not  to  look  for  another. 

We  read  in  Genesis,  chap.  xxi.  that  Abraham  had  two  sons  ; 
Issac,  the  child  of  the  promise,  the  son  of  his  old  age,  by  his  wife 
Sarah  ;  and  Ishmael,  born  some  j'ears  before  of  Hagar,  the  hand- 
maid and  servant  of  Sarah  :  that  the  latter,  with  his  mother,  were 
cast  out  of  the  family:  the  occasion  some  v.ould  think  trivial,  the 
anger  and  jealously  of  Sarah,  because  Ishmael  had  mocked  her 
son.  But  when  it  was  grievous  to  Abraham  to  put  them  away 
upon  so  slight  a  ground,  God  himself  interposed,  and  commanded 
him  to  comply  with  her  desire.  Had  we  heard  no  more  of  this, 
it  is  likely  we  should  have  considered  it  as  a  piece  of  family  histo- 
ry, of  no  very  great  importance  but  to  tiiose  who  were  immedi- 
ately concerned  in  it.  We  should,  perhaps,  have  wondered  to 
find  so  much  said  upon  such  a  subject,  in  a  book  which  we  pro- 
fess to  believe  was  written  by  divine  inspiration  ;  we  should,  prob- 
ably, have  presumed  to  arraign  the  divine  wisdom,  in  descending 
to  particulars,  in  which,  according  to  our  views  of  the  fitness  of 
things,  we  could  discern  nothing  either  interesting  or  instructive. 
To  guard  us  from  these  rash  mistakes,  to  explain  the  true  mean- 
ing of  this  particular  transaction,  and  at  the  same  time  to  furnisli 
ns  with  a  key  for  understanding  many  passages  of  the  like  na- 
ture, in  which  human  wisdom  can  discover  neither  beauty  nor 
benefit ;  it  has  pleased  God  to  favour  us  \vith  an  infallible  expos- 
uion  of  the  whole  matter.  Not  for  the  sake  of  Abraham,  or 
Isaac,  or  Ishmael,  or  Hagar,  was  this  recorded,  much  less  mere- 
ly to  gratify  our  curiosity.  No  :  '  These  things,'  saith  the  apos- 
tle Paul,  '  are  an  allegory  ;  for  these  are  the  two  covenants ;  the 
one  from  mount  Smai,  which  gendereth  to  bondage,  which  is 
Agar.  For  this  Agar  is  mount  Sinai  in  Arabia,  and  answeroth 
to  Jerusalem  which  now  is,  and  is  in  bondage  with  her  children. 
But  Jerusalem  which  is  above,  is  free,  which  is  the  mother  of  us 
all. Now  we,  brethren,  as  Isaac  was,  are  the  children  of  pro- 
mise.    But  as  then  he  that  was  born  after  the  tlesh,  persecuted 


64  ON    SEARCHING    THE    SCHlPTt'RES.  [Scr.    5, 

him  that  was  born  after  the  Spirit,  even  so  it  is  now.  Neverthe- 
Jess,  what  saith  the  Scripture  ?  Cast  out  the  bond-woman  and 
her  son  :  for  the  son  of  the  bond-woman  shall  not  be  heir  with 
the  son  of  the  free-woman.  So  then,  brethren,  we  are  not  chil- 
dren of  the  bond-woman,  but  of  the  free  ;'  Gal.  iv.  I  must  not 
detain  you  by  showing  at  large  how  the  apostle  teaches  us  to  dis- 
cover the  spirit  and  privileges  of  the  Gospel,  together  with  what 
all  wiio  truly  receive  it  must  expect  to  encounter,  in  a  passage  which 
we  might  otherwise  have  thought  superfluous,  if  not  impertinent. 
Keep  this  in  3'our  mind  when  you  read  the  Scriptures.  Assure 
yourselves,  that  there  is  nothing  vain  or  useless  in  the  word  of 
God.  Compare  one  place  with  another,  the  Law  with  the  Gospel, 
the  prophets  with  the  evangelists  :  pray  unto  God  that  he  would 
open  your  understandings  to  understand  the  Scriptures,  as  lie  did 
for  the  disciples,  Luke  xxiv.  and  in  a  little  time  you  will  find  that 
Christ  is  not  only  spoken  of  in  a  tew  verses,  here  and  there,  btit 
that,  as  I  said  before,  he  is  the  main  scope  and  subject  of  every 
book,  and  almost  of  every  chapter. 

I  would  add  an  instance  or  two  of  the  meaning  of  the  ceremo- 
nies, to  what  I  have  observed  of  Hagar  in  reference  to  the  types. 
In  the  law  of  the  passover,  it  was  especially  enjoined,  Exod.  xii= 
that  not  a  bone  of  the  paschal  lamb  should  be  broken.  Now  who 
would  have  thought  that  this  referred  to  Christ?  yet  we  see  the 
evangelist  expressly  applies  it  to  him,  and  is  filled  with  wonder  at 
the  accomplishment.  The  legs  of  those  who  were  crucified  at 
the  same  time  were  purposely  broken,  John  xix.  but  our  Lord  was 
passed  by ;  and  that  it  should  be  so,  was  intimated  near  fifteen 
hundred  years  before,  in  this  charge  concerning  the  lamb.  Again, 
we  find  that  in  several  places,  where  a  bullock  was  commanded  to 
be  slain  for  a  sin  ofl'ering,  it  is  enjoined,  that  tlie  flesh  and  the 
skin  should  be  burnt  without  the  camp  ;  and  from  the  espistle  to 
the  Hebrews,  chap.  xiii.  we  learn,  that  this  was  not  a  slight  or 
arbitrary  circumstance.  We  have  there  this  explication  :  '  For 
the  bodies  of  those  beasts  whose  blood  is  brought  into  the  sanctu- 
ary by  the  high  priest,  for  sin,  were  burnt  without  the  camp  : 
wherefore  Jesus  also,  that  he  might  sanctify  the  people  with  his 
own  blood,  sufiered  without  the  gate.  Let  us  go  forth,  therefore, 
without  the  camp,  beariug  his  reproach.'  I  must  not  enlarge  anj' 
further,  or  it  were  easy,  by  the  clue  the  apostles  in  their  writings 
have  given  us,  to  trace  the  important  meaning  of  many  of  those 
institutions  which  scoffers,  who  are  wise  in  their  own  conceits, 
though  neither  acquainted  with  themselves  nor  the  subject,  pre- 
sume to  censure  as  frivolous.  The  sense  of  the  sacred  writings- 
lies  too  deep  for  a  cautious,  superficial,  volatile  survey  ;  it  must  hit 


Ser.  5.]  ON  searching  the  scriptures.  55 

a  searcli,  a  scrutiny  ;  a  humble,  diligent,  sincere,  and  persevering 
inquiry,  or  no  satisfaction  can  be  expected. 

The  import  of  the  Scripture-testimony  concerning  Christ, 
which  was  the  third  thing  I  proposed  to  speak  of,  must  be  de- 
ferred to  another  opportunity.  1  hope  Avhat  has  been  already 
said  may,  through  the  divine  blessing,  engage  you  '  to  search  tltf 
Scriptures.'  Remember  it  is  the  command  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ ;  it  is  the  only  appointed  way  to  the  knowledge  of  him, 
whom  to  know,  so  as  to  love,  serve,  and  to  obey  him,  is  both  the 
ibundation  and  the  sum  of  our  happiness  here  and  hereafter. 
We,  as  well  as  the  Jews,  think  we  have  eternal  life  in  the  Scrip- 
lure,  and  shall,  like  them,  be  inexcusable  and  self-condemned  if 
we  neglect  it.  Let  us  not  be  like  fopls,  with  a  prize,  an  inesti- 
mable prize  in  our  hands,  but  without  heart  or  skill  to  use  it. 
Better  it  would  have  been  for  us  to  have  lived  and  died  in  the 
wilds  of  America,  without  either  means  of  grace  or  hopes  of  glo- 
ry, than  to  slight  this  record  which  God  has  been  pleased  to  give 
ns  of  his  Son.  But  happy  the  man  whose  delight  is  in  the  law 
of  his  God  !  He  has  sure  direction  in  every  difficulty,  certain 
comfort  in  every  distress.  The  beauty  of  the  precepts  are  pre- 
ferable in  his  eye  to  '  thousands  of  gold  and  silver,'  Ps.  cxix.  The 
comforts  of  the  promises  are  siveeter  to  his  taste,  '  than  honey  or 
the  honey-comb,'  Ps.  xix.  He  is  happy  in  life  ;  for  the  word  of 
God  is  to  him  as  a  '  fountain  of  living  water.'  He  shall  be  hap^ 
py  in  death ;  the  promises  of  his  God  shall  support  him  through 
that  dark  valley  ;  and  he  shall  be  happy  for  ever  in  the  presence 
and  love  of  him  for  whose  sake  he  now  searches  the  Scripture; 
'  whom  having  not  seen,'  1  Pet.  i.  yet,  from  the  testimony  there 
given  of  him,  '  he  loves  ;  in  whom,  though  now  he  sees  him 
not,  yet  believing,  he  rejoices  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of 
glory,' 


Vol.  U. 


PJeraque  auteru,  (si  detur  libere  loqucndi  venia.)  quae  etiam  in  Thola- 
gicis  scholis  Iractantur,  et  magno  cum  apparatu  et  strepitu  docentur  et 
disputantur,  spinosum  forte  acumen  habent,  sed  simi.I  certe  spinosam  ste- 
riljtatem  :  lacerate  et  pungere  possunt,  cnimos  pascere  non  possunt  : 
'  Nemo  enim  ex  spinis  uvas  colligit  unquam,  aut  ex  tribulis  ficus.'  '  Quor- 
sum  alta,  (inquit  quidam,)  de  Trinitate  disputare,  si  careas.  humilitate,  et 
sic  Trixiitati  displiceas  ?'  Et  apte  St.  Augustinus  ad  illud  Esaiae,  '  Ego 
Deus  tuus  docens  te  utilia  ;'  '  iitilia,  (inquit,)  docens,  non  subtilia.''  Et 
hoc  est  quod  opto  et  oro  ;  ut  nobis  pro  modulo  nostro  subdocentibus,  ille 
efficaciter  vos  perdoceat,  qui  cathedram  in  coelo  habens,  corda  docet  in 
ems. — Archiep.  Leighton.Pnckct.  Theol.pag.  4.  edit.  Lond.  169  3.4to. 


SERMON  VI. 


THE  SAME  SUBJECT  CONTINUED. 


Jo  H.N  V.  d9. 

Search  the  Scriptures ;  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have  eternal  life :  and  they  are 
they  which  testify  of  me. 

In  a  former  discourse  on  these  words,  I  mentioaed  four  things 
as  highly  requisite,  if  we  would  acquire  a  useful  knowledge  of 
the  Scripture  ;  sincerity  with  respect  to  the  end,  diligence  in  the 
use  of  means,  a  humble  sense  of  our  own  weakness,  and  earnest 
prayer  to  God  for  the  assistance  of  his  grace  and  Spirit.  To  engage 
us  to  this  practice,  and  perseverance  therein,  I  next  considered 
hove  the  Scriptures,  when  properly  searched  into  and  compared, 
do  clearly,  and  in  every  part,  testify  of  Christ,  that  he  is  the  end 
of  the  law,  the  sum  of  the  prophets,  the  completion  of  the  pro- 
mises, the  scope  of  the  types  and  ceremonies,  and  the  great  object 
of  the  whole  Old  Testament  dispensation.  I  am  now  to  say  some«" 
thing  to  the  third  point  I  proposed : 

111.  Concerning  the  import  of  the  testimony  the  Scriptures  bear 
to  Christ. 

The  principal  difficulties  on  this  head  are,  where  to  begin  on  a 
subject  absolutely  boundless ;  and  what  to  select  that  may  be 
most  suitable  and  useful  to  this  assembly,  from  the  immense  vari- 
et}-  of  topics  that  offer.  For  this  being  the  great  end  and  design 
of  the  Scripture,  to  proclaim  the  excellency  of  Christ  Jesus 
our  Lord,  '  that  we,  through  him  may  have  strong  consolation,' 
Heb.  xii.  it  is  inculcated  in  so  ma:iy  places,  set  in  such  adi\er?ity 
of  views,  and  couched  under  such  deep  and  comprehensive  ex- 
pressions, that  not  only  our  present  opportunity,  but  ray  whole 
future  life,  would  be  too  short,  if  I  would  collect,  state,  and  ex- 
plain all  that  properly  belongs  to  this  single  article.  For  or- 
der's sake,  I  shall  reduce  the  little  I  must  say  at  this  time  to 
three  or  four  distinct  particulars,  what  the  Scripture  testifies  of 
Christ,  as  to  his  person,  his  offices,  his  power,  and  his  love. 

When  we  hear  of  some  great  undertaking  to  be  performed,  we 
inquire,  of  course,  about  the  person  who  is  chiefly  concerned  in 
it ;  so,  when  we  are  told  of  the  mighty  works  Jesus  Christ  en- 
gaged to  perform,  to  redeem  a  lost  world,  to  satisfy  divine  justice, 
to  make  an  end  of  sin,   to  abolish    death,  and  to  bring  life  and 


C8  OS    SEARCHING    THE    SCRIPTURES.  [Scr.  6, 

immortality  to  light ;  the  first  question  that  occurs  is,  Who  is  he  r 
*  Search  the  Scriptures,'  and  you  will  have  a  clear  and  decisive 
answer.  The  prophet  Isaiah,  rapt  into  future  times,  describes  him 
thus ;  '  Unto  us  a  cliild  is  born,  unto  us  a  Son  is  given,  and  the 
government  shall  be  upon  his  shoulder;  and  he  shall  be  called 
Wonderful,  Counsellor,  the  Mighty  God,  the  Everlasting  Father, 
the  Prince  of  Peace,'  Isa.  ix.  G.  The  union  of  the  divine  and 
human  natures  in  the  Messiah  is  so  strongly  asserted,  the  names 
and  attributes  of  God  are  so  clearly  ascribed,  in  this  passage,  to 
one  who  should  be  born  into  the  world,  that  '  he  who  runs  may 
read  ;  the  wayfaring  man,  though  a  I'ool,'  must  understand  it ; 
and  it  requires  a  considerable  share  of  unhappy  ingenuity  to 
wrest  the  words  to  any  other  than  their  obvious  meaning.  This 
text,  if  it  stood  alone  in  the  Bible,  (supposing  the  Scriptures  to  be 
a  revelation  from  God,)  would  be  a  full  warrant,  and  a  firm  foun- 
dation, for  that  great  point  of  Christian  faith  and  doctrine,  That 
Jesus  Christ  is  very  God,  and  very  man ;  or,  as  the  apostle  bet- 
ter expresses  it,  '  God  manifest  in  the  flesh.'  But  it  is  not  alone  ; 
on  the  contrary,  the  IMessiah  is  seldom  mentioned  but  something 
is  either  said  of  him,  or  referred  to  him,  which  teaches  ns  the 
same  important  truth.  '  Behold  the  days  come,  (saith  the  Lord 
by  Jeremiah,  chap,  xxiii.)  that  I  will  raise  unto  David  a  righteous 
branch,  and  a  King  shall  reign  antl  prosper,  and  shall  execute 
judgment  and  justice  in  the  earth.  Jn  his  days  Judah  shall  be 
saved,  and  Israel  shall  dwell  safely:  and  this  h  his  name  wherebv 
he  shall  be  called,  THE  LORD  OUR  RIGHTEOUSNESS? 
Isaiah,  in  general,  styles  him  '  A  child  to  be  born  ;'  Jeremiah  more 
particularly,  '  A  branch  of  David.'  Isaiah  ascribes  to  him  the 
name  of  '  The  Mighty  God ;'  Jeremiah  says,  he  shall  be  called, 
'  The  Lord  our  Righteousness.'  You  have  the  word  LORD  in 
capital  letters  here,  as  in  other  places  where  it  is  in  the  original 
JEHOVAH.  Some  of  the  names  of  God  are  occasionally  ap- 
plied to  inferior  subjects,  to  angels,  to  magistrates,  and  sometimes 
to  idols.  But  Jehovah  is  allowed  by  all  to  signify  the  essential 
and  incommunicable  name  of  the  Most  High  God.  Yet  this  is 
not  the  only  place  where  it  is  expressly  and  directly  applied  to 
the  Messiah.  David  himself  speaks  to  the  same  purpose  :  '  The 
Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  sit  thou  at  my  right  hand,'  Ps.  ex. 
That  the  Messiah  was  to  be  David's  son,  was  known  and  acknow- 
ledged by  the  Jews  in  our  Saviour's  time  ;  but  how  he  could  bo 
tlje  Son  of  David,  and  yet  his  Lord,  was  a  difficulty  that  utterl\- 
posed  and  silenced  the  most  learned  Rabbles  and  Scribes  among 
theio  ;  because,  being  destitute  of  that  sincerity  and  humility  wo 
have  before  spoken  of,  they  could  not  understand  the  Scriptures. 
which  were  read  in  their  synagogues  every  day. 


Ser.  C]  oy*   searchino  the  scripture?.  G9 

Now,  although  tliis  important  doctrine  was  not  to  be  discover- 
ed by  the  li^cht  of  nature,  or  the   powers  of  human   reason,  yet, 
since  it  has  pleased   God  to  make  it  known    to  us,  our  reason, 
liu'ubly  tracing  the  steps  of  divine   revelation,  can  easily  prove 
the   expeaience,  and   even   the   necessity,   that    it   should  be  so. 
When  we  are   informed  from  Scripture,  that   all  mankind  being 
sunk  into  a  state  of  sin  and  miser},  God  ha^J,  in  great  mercy,  ap- 
pointed a  person  to  atone  for  the  one,  and  deliver  them  from  the 
other ;  we   may  safely,  from  these  principles,  infer,  by  our  own 
reason,   1st,  That  this  person  cannot   be  mere  man:    for  as  the 
whole  human  race,  and  consequently  every  individual,  is   suppo- 
sed to  be  previously  involved  in  the  same  circumstances  of  guilt 
and  condemnation,  it  is  impossible  that   any  one  of  these  should 
be  able  either  to  answer  or  satisfy  for  himself,  much  less  be  quali- 
fied to  interpose  in  behalf  of  another.     From  hence  reason   may 
ascend  a  step  higher,  and  conclude,  2d,  That  no  mere  creature, 
however  great  and  excellent,  can  undertake  this  part :  for  the  two 
great  points  necessary  in  order  to  our  redemption,  to  satisfy  tlie 
justice  of  God,  and  to  restore  the  divine  image  in  man,  are  either 
of  them  beyond   the   sphere    of  finite  power.     We  read  in   the 
Scripture  of  angels,  archangels,  thrones,  principalities,  and  pow- 
ers ;  and  from  several  texts   we  may   collect,  that  their  number 
and  excellences  are    beyond    any    competitions    we    can    form. 
Could  we  suppose  that  the  virtues   and  endovvments  of  all    these 
Various  and  exalted  beings   were  united  and  centered  in  one   of 
them  ;  however  glorious   this   being  would  be  in  other  respects, 
when  we  consider  him  as  a  creature  of  the  divine  power,  he  will  be 
found  to  be  as  vrijit,  and  as  unahle,  to  interfere  in  the  behalf  of 
sinfiil  man,  as  the  meanest  worm  that  crawls  upon  the  earth.     It 
is  the  duty  of  every  being,  great  and  small,  to  be  entirely  devoted  ^ 
according  to  the  extent  of  its  capacity,  to  the  service  and  glory  of 
its  great  Creator ;  tiierefore,  an  angel  is  no  more  capable  than  a 
man  of  performing   the   smallest  work  of  supererogation.     The 
highest  archangel  could  not  magnify  the  law  of  God.  and  make  it 
honourable  on  the   behalf  of  man,  being  already  bound  thereto 
for  himself:  much  less  can  we  suppose   such  a  beijjg  capable  of 
expiating  the  sins  of  mankind  by  suffering.     If  divine  justice  in- 
sisted on  a  propitiation,  it  must  follow,  that  nothing  less  than  an 
equivalent  could  be  accepted.     But  vvhat  would  be  the  temporary 
suflerings  of  a  creature,  or  of  all  crtahires,  in   this  view  ^     A 
finite  satisfaction,  however  heightened  and  exaggerated,  would  at 
last  be  infinitely  short  of  the    demand.     As  to  the  other  branch 
of  redemption,  the  restoration  of  the  image  of  God  In  the  soul,  I 
need  only  mention   it ;  for  it  appears,  at  first    glance,  that  this 
must  be  the  prerogative  of  divine  power  alone  to  ellect.     It  re- 


7©  ON    SEARCHING    THE    SCRIPTURES.  [Ser.    6, 

niahis,  therei'ore,  that  the  deliverance  of  mankind  could  be  at- 
tempted only  b}'  him,  who,  we  are  assured  by  the  apostle,  agreea- 
ble to  the  passages  already  cited,  is  over  all,  God  blessed  for 
ever. 

That  the  Son  of  God  should  take  upon  him  the  nature  and  cir- 
cumstances of  our  humanity,  sin  excepted,  in  order  to  atone  for 
our  transgressions,  is  indeed  such  an  instance  of  condescension 
and  love,  as  must  for  ever  dazzle  and  astonish  the  brightest  un- 
derstandings. It  is  true,  some  persons,  in  these  refined  times, 
affect  to  speak  of  this  point  with  admirable  coolness  and  precision. 
But  ill  the  beginning  it  was  not  so.  Either  the  apostle  Paul  was 
less  master  of  his  temper,  or  more  unequal  to  sublime  specula- 
tions, than  these  gentlemen,  or  else  we  must  allow  he  had  a  very 
different  view  of  the  subject ;  for  he  cannot  mention  it  without 
appearing  to  be  transported,  and,  (if  I  may  use  the  expression,) 
swallowed  up  by  the  thought :  his  ideas  seem  too  great  for  words  ; 
and  it  is  well  if  his  best  attempts  to  explain  himself  have  not  ex- 
posed him,  in  the  judgment  of  some  of  his  readers,  to  the  charge 
oi'  solecism.  However,  though  this  doctrine,  above  any  other,  is 
a  proof  that  God  '  is  able  to  do  for  us  exceeding  abundantly  be- 
yond all  we  could  ask  or  tbink,'  it  is  not,  upon  the  premises  I 
before  mentioned,  in  the  least  repugnant  to  right  reason  ;  rather 
it  is  exactly  calculated  to  remove  all  those  surmises  which  would 
arise  in  the  mind  of  a  reasonable  sinner,  upon  the  first  intimation 
of  possible  forgiveness.  In  our  nature  Christ  fulfilled  the  law 
which  we  had  broken  ;  he  sustained  the  penalty  we  had  incurred  ; 
he  vanquished  the  enemies  we  had  to  encounter  ;  he  trod  the  path 
which  he  has  marked  out  for  us  ;  he  is  entered  in  our  name  into 
that  heaven  he  has  promised  us  ;  and  retains  a  sympathy  with  us 
in  all  our  sufierings  and  temptations,  '  in  as  much  as  he  himself 
has  suffered,  being  tempted,'  Heb.  ii. 

I  am  next  to  consider  the  testimony  of  Scripture  concerning 
the  offices  of  Christ.  These  are,  in  general,  included  in  the 
character  of  Mediator.  '  There  is  one  God,  and  one  Mediator 
between  God  and  man,  the  man  Christ  Jesus,'  1  Tim.  ii.  In 
this  word  is  summed  up  all  that  Christ  has  done,  now  does,  or 
will  do  hereafter,  either  on  the  part  of  God  or  man.  But,  for  our 
better  apprehension,  it  is  proposed  to  us  under  three  distinct  and 
principal  views,  answerable  to  the  three  particulars  in  which  the 
misery  of  fallen  man  does  principally  consist. 

And  first,  Man  having  departed  from  God,  '  became  vain  in 
his  imaginations,  and  his  foolish  heart  was  darkened,'  Rom.  i.  so 
that  he  totally  lost  the  knowledge  of  his  Creator,  and  how  entire- 
}}'  his  happiness  depended  thereon.  He  forgot  God  and  himself, 
and  sunk  so  low  as  to  worship  the  work  of  his  own  hands.     His 


Ser.  G.]  ON  searching  the  scriptures.  71 

life  became  vain  and  miserable  ;  in  prosperity,  without  security 
or  satisfaction  ;  in  adversity,  without  support  or  resource  ;  his 
death  dark  and  hopeless  ;  no  pleasing  reflection  on  the  past,  no 
ray  of  light  on  the  future.  Such  was  the  unhappy  case  when 
Christ  undertook  the  office  of  a  prophet ;  in  which  character,  un- 
der various  dispensations,  first  by  his  servants  inspired  of  old, 
and  afterwards  more  clearly  in  his  own  person,  and  by  his  apos- 
tles, he  has  instructed  us  in  the  things  pertaining  to  our  peace  ;  not 
only  renewing  in  us  the  knowledge  of  the  true  God,  which,  where 
revelation  prevailed  not,  was  universally  lost  out  of  the  world, 
but  disclosing  to  us  the  counsels  of  divine  love  and  wisdom  in  our 
favour,  those  gi-eat  things  '  which  eye  hatli  not  seen,  nor  ear 
heard,'  and  which  never  could  have  entered  '  into  the  heart  of 
man  to  conceive'  had  not  he  who  dwelt  in  the  bosom  of  the  Fa- 
ther declared  them  to  us.  We  can  now  give  a  sufficient  answer 
to  that  question,  which  must  have  for  ever  overwhelmed  every 
serious,  awakened  mind,  '  Wherewithal  shall  I  appear  before  the 
most  high  God,'  Mic.  vi.  We  have  now  learnt  how  God  can  de- 
clare and  illustrate  his  righteousness  and  truth,  by  that  very  act, 
which,  without  respect  to  satisfaction  given,  would  seem  the  high- 
est impeachment  of  both,  I  mean  his  justifying  the  ungodly.  We 
have  now  a  glass  by  which  we  can  discover  the  presence  of  the 
Creator  in  every  part  of  his  creation,  and  a  clue  to  lead  us 
through  the  mysterious  mazes  of  divine  providence.  But  wiio 
can  enumerate  the  various,  the  important,  the  interesting  lessons 
we  receive  from  this  Heavenly  Teacher,  when,  by  the  influence  of 
his  Holy  Spirit,  he  powerfully  applies  his  written  word  to  the 
hearts  of  his  real  disciples,  who  search  the  Scriptures  with  a  sin- 
cere desire  to  be  made  wise  unto  salvation  !  Whatever  is  neces- 
sary to  make  life  useful  and  comfortable,  and  to  gild  the  gloom 
of  death  with  the  bright  prospect  of  a  glorious  immortality,  is 
there  contained  :  so  that,  instructed  by  these  writings  alone,  a 
poor  illiterate  mechanic  has  been  often  enabled  to  converse  upon 
a  dying  bed  with  more  dignity,  certainty,  and  influence,  than  any 
or  all  the  philosophers,  ancient  or  modern,  could  attain. 

But,  besides  the  natural  ignorance  of  fallen  man,  he  was  char- 
geable with  aggravated  guilt.  Guilt  and  ignorance  are  recipro- 
cally causes  and  consequences  of  each  other.  Every  additional 
guilt  tends  to  increase  the  stupidity  of  the  human  soul ;  and  every 
increase  of  this,  increases,  in  the  same  proportion,  the  natural  in- 
disposition for  the  practice  or  the  love  of  virtue,  makes  the  soul 
more  blind  to  consequences,  more  base  in  its  pursuits,  and  thus 
become  a  more  willing  and  assiduous  servant  of  iniquity.  No 
wonder,  therefore,  that  when  the  understanding  was  totally  dark- 
ened as  to  the  knowledge  of  God,  the  will  and  afiections  became 


72  ON    SEARCHING    THE    SCRIPTURES.  [Ser.    G. 

wholly  disobedient  to  his  law.  But  when  a  divine  light  has,  in 
some  measure,  discovered  the  heart  to  itself,  and  at  the  same  time 
set  an  offended  God  in  view,  every  such  sensible  sinner  would  un- 
doubtedly imitate  our  first  parents,  and  fly  (were  it  possible)  from 
the  presence  of  his  Maker  and  his  Judge.  'I  heard  thy  voice,' 
says  Adam,  '  and  I  iiid  myself,  for  1  was  afraid,'  Gen.  iii.  Vain 
attempt ;  and  if  it  was  practicable,  a  dreadful  alternative,  since 
absence  from  God  imports  the  utmost  misery  to  a  creature  who 
can  be  happy  only  in  his  favour.  But  here  the  Scriptures  bring 
us  unspeakable  comfort,  testifying  of  Christ  as  our  great  High 
Priest.  To  point  out  and  illustrate  this  part  of  his  character,  is 
the  chief  end  and  design  of  the  whole  Levitical  law  ;  the  main 
points  of  wliich  are  explained,  and  applied  to  our  blessed  Lord 
throughout  the  epistle  to  the  Hebrews.  The  principal  parts  of 
the  priest's  office  were,  to  sacrifice  in  behalf  of  the  people,  to 
make  atonement,  to  pray  for  them,  and  to  bless  them  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord.  No  sacrifices  could  be  offered  or  accepted  ;  no  bias- 
sings  expected,  but  through  the  hands  of  the  priests  whom  God 
had  appointed.  Thus  Christ,  the  High  Priest  of  our  profession, 
offered  himself  a  sacrifice  without  either  spot  or  blemish  :  he  en 
lered,  with  his  own  blood,  within  the  vail,  to  the  immediate  pres- 
ence of  our  ofi'ended  God  ;  and  through  him  peace  and  good- 
will is  proclaimed  to  sinful  men.  He  continues  still  to  exercise 
the  other  part  of  his  appointment ;  he  makes  continual  interces- 
vsion  for  his  people  ;  he  presents  their  prayers  and  imper/ect  ser- 
vices acceptable  before  the  throne  ;  he  gives  them  confidence  and 
access  to  draw  nigh  to  God  :  and  he  bestows  upon  them  those 
gifts  and  blessings  which  are  the  fruits  of  lijs  sufferings  and  obe- 
dience. The  Levitical  priests  were,  like  their  people,  sinners ; 
and  were  ttierefore  constrained  first  to  make  atonement  for  them- 
selves ;  they  were  mortal,  therefore  their  service  passed  from 
hand  to  hand  ;  their  sacrifices  were  imperfect,  therefore  needed 
continual  repetition,  and  had  at  last  only  a  typical  and  ceremo- 
nial efficacy  ;  '  for  it  was  not  possible  that  the  blood  of  bulls  and 
goals'  Heb,  ix.  and  x.  could  remove  either  the  guilt  or  polluticn 
of  sin.  '  The  law  made  nothing  perfect.'  But  Jesus,  the  '  Me- 
diator of  the  new  covenant,'  is  '  such  a  high  priest  as  became  us  ; 
iioly,  harmless,  undefiled,  separate  from  sinners  ;  who  ncedeth 
not  (as  those  of  old)  to  offer  sacrifice  ^first  for  his  own  sins,  and 
then  for  the  people  ;  for  this  he  did  once,  when  he  offered  up  him- 
self,' Heb.  viii.  The  great  inference  from  this  doctrine,  several 
times  repeated  by  the  apostle  in  a  variety  of  phrase,  is,  that  we 
may  now  have  boldness  to  appear  before  God,  that  our  prayers 
and  services  arc  pleasing  in  his  sight,  and  all  the  blessings  of  grace 


Ser.    6.]  ON    SEARCHING    THE    SCRIPTURES.  73 

and  glory  ready  to  be  bestowed  on  us,  if  we  faithfully  apply  for 
them,  through  the  merits  of  his  Son. 

Once  more  :  Man  is  not  only  ignorant  of  God  and  himself, 
and  too  full  of  guilt  to  plead  in  his  own  name,  but  he  is  likewise 
weak  and  defenceless  :  unable  to  make  his  way  through  the  op- 
position tliat  withstands  his  progress  to  eternal  life,  or  to  secure 
him  from  the  many  enemies  '  that  rise  up  against  him,'  Psalm  iii. 
We  read  that  when  the  Gibeonites  made  a  league  with  Joshua, 
Josh.  ix.  which  was  the  only  step  could  save  them  from  utter  ruin, 
the  neighbouring  states  and  cities  all  united  to  destroy  them ;  so 
the  soul  that  is  desirous  to  submit  to  Jesus  Christ,  immediately 
finds  itself  in  the  midst  of  war  :  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the 
devil,  unite  their  forces,  either  to  recall  such  a  one  to  the  prac- 
tice and  service  of  sin,  or  to  distress  him  to  the  uttermost  for  for- 
saking it.  And  none  could  support  this  conflict,  if.not  themselves 
supported  by  a  higher  hand.  But  Jesus,  the  antitype  of  Joshua, 
the  true  Captain  of  the  Lord's  hosts,  reveals  himself  in  his  word 
as  the  King  of  his  Church.  He  can  inspire  the  fainting  soul  with 
unseen  supplies  :  he,  '  when  the  enemy  comes  in  like  a  flood,'  Isa. 
lix.  can,  by  his  Spirit  Hft  up  a  standard  against  him  ;  he  can  take 
the  prey  even  out  of  the  hand  of  the  mighty.  He  has  said  it  of 
his  church  in  general,  and  he  will  make  it  good  to  every  individu- 
al that  trusts  in  him,  that  the  gates  of  hell  shall  never  prevail 
against  them.  What  though  a  sense  of  the  guilt  and  remaining 
power  of  sin  often  fills  the  humble  soul  with  inexpressible  distress! 
He  that  stills  the  raging  of  the  sea  and  the  violence  of  the  winds 
with  a  word,  can,  with  equal  ease,  calm  all  the  unruly  motions  of 
the  mind.  What  though  the  world  opposes  in  every  quarter,  and 
presents  snares  or  terrors  all  around  !  what  though  rage  or  con- 
tempt, threats  or  allurements,  are  by  turns,  or  all  together,  em- 
ployed to  ruin  us  !  Behold,  '  greater  is  he  that  is  in  us,  than  he 
that  is  in  the  world,'  1  John  iv.  Christ  has  '  overcome  the 
world  for  us,'  John  xvi.  and  has  promised  to  make  us  conquerors, 
yea,  more  than  conquerors,  in  our  turn.  What  though  '  the  devil 
goes  about  like  a  roaring  lion,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour  !' 
1  Pet.  iv.  It  is  an  argument  of  the  strongest  kind  for  watchful- 
ness and  prayer  ;  but  we  need  not  fear  him  :  the  '  beloved  of  the 
Lord  shall  dwell  in  safety,'  Deut.  xxxiii.  '  the  Lord  shall  cover 
him  all  the  day  long  ;  he  shall  deliver  him  from  the  snare  of  the 
fowler,'  Ps.  xci.  '  His  truth  shall  be  a  shield  and  buckler'  to  all 
who  enlist  under  his.banner  ;  and  at  length,  yea  shortly,  '  the  God 
of  peace  shall  bruise  Satan  under  our  feet,'  Rom.  xvi. 

It  is  thus  the  Scriptures,  to  help  the  weakness  of  our  apprehen- 
sions, testify  of  Christ,  under  the  threefold  view  of  Prophet, 
Priest,   and  King   of  his  people.     The.se   are  his  principal  and 

Vol.  II.         "  10 


74  ON     SEARCHING    THE    SCRIPTURES.  [Scr.    6. 

leading  characters,  which  include  and  imply  the  rest ;  for  the 
time  would  fail  to  speak  of  him,  as  he  is  declared  to  be  their  head, 
husband,  root,  foundation,  sun,  sliield,  shepherd,  lawgiver,  exem- 
plar, and  fore-runner.  In  brief,  there  is  hardly  any  comfortable 
relation  or  useful  office  amongst  men ;  hardly  any  object  in  the 
visible  creation,  which  either  displays  beauty,  or  produces  bene- 
fit, but  what  is  applied  in  the  word  of  God,  to  illustrate  the  ex- 
cellence and  sufficiency  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  The  intent  of 
all  is,  that  we  may  learn  to  trust  him,  and  delight  to  serve  him  ; 
for  these  must  go  together.  Whoever  would  be  benefitted  b}-  his 
mediation  as  a  priest,  must  submit  to  his  instructions  as  a  prophet, 
and  yield  him  universal  obedience  as  a  king.  Fatal  are  the  mis- 
takes in  this  matter  now  in  the  world.  Some  talk  highly  of  the 
death  and  sufferings  of  Christ,  who  are  little  solicitous  to  keep 
his  commandments  ;  others  labour  in  the  very  fire  to  observe  his 
law ;  but  '  being  ignorant  of  God's  righteousness,  and  going 
about  to  establish  their  own,'  Rom.  x.  they  labour  to  no  purpose. 
Dependence  on  the  merits  of  Christ,  and  obedience  to  his  com- 
mands, are  inseparably  united  ;  and  only  the  man  who  aims  at 
both,  can  attain  to  either. 

I  should  now  lay  before  you  some  scripture-testimonies  of  the 
power  and  love  of  Christ ;  but  I  have  anticipated  this  part  of  my 
subject  in  what  I  have  already  said.  His  divine  nature  pro- 
claims his  power,  his  offices  display  his  love.  We  have  seen  that 
he  emptied  himself  of  his  eternal  glories  ;  that  '  he  bowed  the  hea- 
vens, and  came  down  in  the  form  of  a  servant ;'  that  he  submit- 
ted to  all  imaginable  sufferings  ;  all  that  the  malice  of  men,  all 
that  the  avenging  justice  of  God  could  inflict  :  and  having  by  this 
means  opened  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  taken  possession  there, 
in  behalf  of  all  believers,  he  has  caused  the  glad  tidings  of  salva- 
tion to  be  published  through  the  world,  declaring,  that  '  whoso- 
ever Cometh  to  him,  (without  one  exception,)  he  will  in  no  wise 
cast  out,'  John  vi.  Are  not  these  proofs  of  unspeakable,  unex- 
ampled love  ?  We  have  seen  that  he  fully  performed  the  work 
he  undertook ;  '  tliat  he  has  made  an  end  of  sin,'  Dan.  ix.  '  brought 
in  an  everlasting  righteousness,  spoiled  principalities  and  powers,' 
Eph.  ii.  ;  '  triumphed  over  all  our  enemies,  broke  down  the  par- 
tition-wall, and  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light  by  his  Gos- 
pel,' 1  Tim.  i.  We  read,  that  he  is  exalted  highly  ;  that  '  God 
has  given  him  a  name  that  is  above  every  name,'  Phil.  ii.  that  he 
is  '  far  above  all  principalitj-,  and  might,  and  dominion  :'  and 
what  more  can  be  said  of  his  power  'f  Read  his  own  declaration, 
*  All  power  is  given  to  me  in  heaven  and  in  earth,'  Matt,  xxviii. 
Were  these  two  points,  the  power  and  the  love  of  Christ,  rightly 
understood,  and  fully  believed,  earth  would  be  full  of  heaven. 


Ser.  6.]  ON  searching  the  scriptures.  75  > 

But,  alas!  we  ore  fools,  and  slow  of  heart,  to  receive  all  that  ^ 
Moses  and  the  prophets,  Luke  xxiv.  the  evaagelists  and  apostles,  ' 
have  wrote  for  our  histructlon.     From  hence  proceeds  our  indif- 
ference, and  that  we  need  so   much  to   be  pressed  to  search   the 
Scriptures,  though  we  readily  acknowledge  that  in  them  we  have 
the  loords  of  eternal  life. 

IV.  It  remains,  therefore,  in  the  fourth  and  last  place,  that  I 
add  a  ^evf  words  to  recommend  and  enforce  the  command  in  the 
text,  '  search  the  Scriptures,'  from  the  argument  there  subjoined, 
'  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have  eternal  life  ;'  and  we  think  right; 
for  it  '  is  eternal  life  to  know  the  only  true  God,  and  Jesus 
Christ,  whom  he  hath  sent,'  John  xvii.  and  every  article  of  this 
knowledge  is  contained  in  the  Old  and  New  Testament ;  nor  can 
any  part  of  it  be  met  with  any  where  else.  Yet  let  conscience 
judge  this  day,  as  in  the  presence  of  'the  living  God,  the  search- 
er of  hearts,'  before  whom  our  private  judgments  must  shortly 
come  under  a  review  :  has  any  book  a  smaller  share  of  the  time, 
the  memory,  or  the  affections  of  many  of  us  than  this  book  of 
God  .'*  Do  not  the  successive  returns  of  business  and  amusement  so 
far  engross  our  time  and  our  thoughts,  that  we  have  either  no  leis- 
ure or  no  disposition  to  attend  to  the  things  which  pertain  to  our 
peace  ?  Consider,  '  in  them  we  think  we  have  eternal  life.'  We 
know  we  are  posting  to  eternity  as  fast  as  the  wings  of  time  can 
carry  us ;  we  know  that  the  consequences  of  our  behaviour  in 
this  span  of  life  will  attend  us  into  an  invisible,  unalterable  state  ; 
and  we  confess  that  the  necessary  directions  for  our  conduct  in 
these  most  important  and  precarious  circumstances,  are  to  be 
found  only  in  the  Bible  :  what  words,  then,  can  describe  our 
fatal  insensibility,  if,  all  this  acknowledged,  we  have  no  heart 
to  consult  or  to  value  this  inestimable  treasure  put  into  our 
hands  ^ 

Many  inquiries,  more  curious  than  useful,  have  been  started 
concerning  the  divine  procedure  with  the  Heathen  nations,  and 
those  who  never  heard  the  Gospel  of  peace.  '  The  Judge  of 
all  the  earth  will  (undoubtedly)  do  right,'  Gen.  xviii.  and  will 
be  justified  at  the  great  day,  when  every  man  shall  receive  ac- 
cording to  his  works.  Till  then  we  must  wait  for  the  know- 
lege  of  what  he  has  not  seen  fit  to  reveal.  But  thus  much  he 
lias  already  told  us,  that,  however  it  may  go  with  those  who 
know  not  the  Gospel,  dreadful  will  be  the  doom  of  those  who, 
liaving  it  published  among  them,  refuse  to  obey  it.  '  The  ser- 
vant who  knew  not  his  master's  will,  shall  be  beaten  with  few 
stripes,'  Luke  xii.  But  this  will  not  be  our  case ;  at  least  our 
ignorance  will  bp  rather  an  aggravation  than  an  excuse  :  a 
wilful,  obstinate,  infatuated  ignorance.     We  have   the  words  of 


7(/  ON    SEARCHING    THE    SCRIPTURES.  [Scr.    6- 

eternal  life  in  our  hands,  '  line  upon  line,  precept  upon  precept*,' 
but  how  do  we  imitate  those  (whom  perhaps  we  have  been  ready 
to  blame)  spoken  of  in  the  parable,  who,  when  they  received  a 
kind  and  gracious  invitation  to  a  royal  feast,  made  light  of  it, 
and  '  all  with  one  consent  began  to  make  excuse  !'  Luke  xvi. 
It  is  eas}'  to  apply  this  to  the  Jews  of  old  :  so  David  could 
clearly  judge  in  the  case  of  the  rich  man  who  killed  his  poor 
neighbour's  lamb,  2  Sam.  xii.  but  had  not  the  prophet  helped 
him,  he  would  not  have  collected  that  he  himself  was  the  per- 
son intended.  But  to  bring  the  general  truths  of  Scripture 
home  to  the  heart  is  the  work  of  God  ;  and  perhaps  while  I 
am  speaking  at  random,  he  may  rouse  the  consciences  of  some 
to  say  in  particular.  Thou  art  the  man.  Then  they  will  soon 
see  how  much  it  behooves  them  to  search  the  Scriptures,  when 
the}' understand  the  weighty  meaning  of  the  words,  eternalUfe. 

Some  of  us,  I  hope,  do  already  make  conscience  of  frequent 
reading  the  Scriptures  ;  but  let  us  remember  the  force  of  the 
word  search.  It  is  not  a  careless  superficial  reading,  or  dis- 
patching such  a  number  of  chapters  in  a  day,  as  a  task,  that 
will  answer  the  end.  I  have  already  reminded  you  that  it  is  a 
business  will  need  your  best  application  ;  a  serious,  impartial, 
humble,  persevering  inquiry,  accompanied  with  earnest  prayer 
for  the  light  and  assistance  of  God's  Holy  Spirit.  When  we 
set  about  it  in  this  method,  we  shall  soon  find  happy  effects ; 
pleasure  and  instruction  will  go  hand  in  hand  ;  and  our  know- 
ledge advance  as  the  growing  light.  The  precept;  shall  inspire 
lis  with  true  wisdom  ;  teach  us  how  to  order  ail  our  affairs 
respecting  both  worlds,  to  fill  up  our  several  stations  in  life 
with  propriety,  usefulness,  and  comfort ;  and  to  avoid  the  nu- 
merous evils  and  distresses  which  those  who  live  by  no  rule,  or 
by  any  other  rule  than  God's  word,  are  perpetually  running 
into.  The  promises  shall  be  a  support  in  every  trouble,  a  med- 
icine in  every  sickness,  a  supply  in  every  need.  Above  all,  the 
Scriptures  will  repay  our  trouble,  as  they  testify  of  Christ. 
The  more  we  read  of  his  person,  offices,  power,  love,  doctrine, 
life,  and  death,  the  more  our  hearts  will  cleave  to  him  :  we  shall 
by  insensible  degrees,  be  transformed  into  his  Spirit.  We  shall, 
with  the  apostle,  say,  '  I  know  in  whom  I  have  believed,'  2  Tim.  i. 
Every  thing  we  see  shall  be  at  once  7\.memorial  to  remind  us  of  our 
Redeemer,  and  a  motive  to  animate  us  in  his  service.  And  at  length 
wc  shall  be  removed  to  see  him  as  he  is,  without  a  cloud,  and 
without  a  vail  ;  to  be  for  ever  with  him  :  to  liehold  and  share  the 
glories  of  that  heavenly  kingdom  '  which  (Matt,  xxv.)  he  has 
prepared  (for  his  followers)  from  before  the  foundation  of  the 
world.'     Amen.  • 


SERMONS, 

PREACHED  IN  THE  PARISH  CHURCH  OF  OLNEV. 
IN  BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, 


ON  THE  FOLLOWING  SUBJECTS. 


1.  Tlie  small  Success  of  the  Gospel 

Ministiy. 

2.  The  Mysteries  of  the  Gospel  hid 

from  many. 

3.  Of  those  from  whom  the  Gospel 

Doctrines  are  hid. 

4.  The  Nature  of  Spiritual   Revela- 

tion,   and     who     are     favoured 
with  it. 

5.  The  Sovereignty  of  Divine  Grace 

asserted  and  illustrated. 

6.  Of  the  Person  of  Christ. 

7.  Of  the  authority  of  Christ, 

8.  The  Glciy  and    Grace  of  God  re- 

vealed ia  Jesus  Christ. 

9.  Labouring  and   heavy-Iadeu   Sin- 

ners described. 


10.  Of  coming  to  Christ. 

11.  Of  Believers' rest  in  Christ. 

12.  OftheYoke  of  Christ. 

IS.  The  Service  of  Christ  easy  anit 
pleasant. 

14.  Believers  cautioned  against  Mis- 

conduct in  their  Profession. 

15.  The  Extent  and  Sanction  of  the 

third  Commandment. 

16.  The  Christian  Life  compared  to 

a  Race. 

17.  No  access  to  God  but  by  the  Gos- 

pel of  Christ. 

18.  Of  a  Living  and  a  Dead  Faith. 

19.  Guilt   removed,   and    Peace    re^ 

"  stored. 
£0.  Of  the  Assurance  of  Faith. 


Blessed  is  the  people  that  know  the  joyful  sound  :  they  shall  walk,  O  Lord, 
in  the  light  of  thy  countenance.  In  thy  name  shall  they  rejoice  all  the  day  ; 
and  in  thy  righteousness  shall  they  be  exalted.     Psal.  Ixxxix.  15,.  16. 


TO  THE 

INHABITANTS  OF  THE  PARISH  OF  OLNF.Y. 


iVIy  Dear  Friends, 

I  HAVE  principally  two  motives  for  publishing  these  Discourses.  The 
one  is,  to  exhibit  a  specimen  of  the  doctrine  that  is  taught  and  most  surely 
believed  amongst  us,  to  satisfy  those  who  desire  inforoiation,  and  to  stop, 
if  possible,  the  mouth  of  slander.  I  cheerfully  submit  them  to  examina- 
tion, in  full  confidence  that  they  contain  nothing  of  moment  which  i^  not 
agreeable  to  the  general  strain  of  the  word  of  God,  and  to  the  principles 
of  the  Church  whereof  I  am  a  minister,  as  specified  in  the  Articles,  Litur- 
gy, and  Homilies.  And  that  what  I  now  print  is  to  the  same  purport 
with  the  usual  course  of  my  preaching,  I  doubt  not  but  all  who  statedly 
hear  rae  will  do  me  the  justice  to  acknowledge. 

My  other  mjtive  is  a  desire  of  promoting  your  edification.  It  is  my 
comfort  that  many  of  you  live  by  the  truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  highly 
prize  them.  You  will  not,  therefore,  be  unwilling  to  view  the  substance 
of  what  you  once  heard  with  acceptance.  But  it  is  to  be  feared  that 
the  far  greater  part  of  the  congregation  have  need  to  have  the  things  per- 
taining to  their  peace  pressed  upon  them,  again  and  again,  for  a  different 
reason  ;  not  because  they  know  them,  and,  therefore,  love  to  have  them 
brought  to  their  remembrance,  but  because  they  have  hitherto  heard  them 
without  effect.  For  the  sake  of  both,  therefore,  I  am  willing  to 'leave  an 
abiding  testimony  amongst  you.  I  hereby  take  each  of  your  consciences 
to  witness  that  1  am  clear  of  your  blood  ;  and  that,  to  the  best  of  my 
knowledge  and  ability,  I  have  not  shunned  to  declare  the  whole  counsel 
of  God. 

In  the  choice  of  the  subjects!  have  selected  for  publication,  I  have  not 
been  solicitous  to  comprise  a  succinct  scheme  of  Gospel  doctrine,  but  have 
given  the  preference  to  such  topics,  which  the  peculiar  circumstances  of 
the  times,  and  of  my  hearers,  make  me  desirous  might  be  had  in  continu- 
al remembrance. 

The  Exposition  of  the  Third  Commandment,  which  was  first  delivered 
in  your  hearing,  I  afterwards  preached  (nearer  the  form  in  which  it  now 
appears)  at  London  ;  and,  as  it  led  nic  to  touch  on  some  particulars  of  a 


80  TO    THE    INHABITANTS,  ScC. 

very  public  and  interesting  concern,  I  have  given  it  a  place  in  this  vol- 
ume. And  I  shall  think  myself  happy  indeed,  if  it  may  please  God  to 
give  weight  to  the  testimony  of  so  obscure  a  person,  with  respect  to  a 
grievance  under  which  the  nation  groans. 

As  long  discourses  are,  in  many  respects,  inconvenient,  I  have  chosen 
to  publish  no  more  than  a  brief  summary  of  what  you  heard,  more  at 
large,  from  the  pulpit.  And,  as  I  aim  to  speak  plain  truths  to  a  plain 
people,  I  have  purposely  avoided  any  studied  ornaments  in  point  of  ex- 
pression, being  desirous  to  accommodate  myself  to  the  apprehensions  of 
the  most  ignorant. 

May  it  please  the  God  of  all  grace  to  accompany  my  feeble  endeav- 
ours to  promote  the  knowledge  of  his  truth,  with  the  powerful  influence 
of  his  Hojy  Spirit.  And  I  earnestly  entreat  all  who  know  how  to  draw 
near  to  a  throne  of  grace  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  strive  mightily  in  prayer  for 
me,  that  I  may  stand  fast  in  the  faith,  and  increase  in  the  knowledge  of 
Jesus  the  Saviour  :  and  that,  for  his  sake,  I  may  labour,  without  fear  or 
fainting,  in  the  service  to  which  he  has  been  pleased  to  call  me.  IMay 
the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you  all  ! 

I  am  your  affectionate  friend  and  servant  in  the  (iospel  of  Christ, 

JOHN  NEWTON. 

Olney.  Jan.  20.  1707- 


SERMONS 

PREACHED  AT  OLNEY. 
SERMON  I. 


THE  SMALL  SUCCESS  OF  THE  GOSPEL  MINISTRY  CONSIDERED. 


Matt.  xi.  25. 

fMt  that  time  Jesiis  answered  and  said,  I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  ofheavM 
and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  thingsfrovi  the  wise  and  prudent,  and 
hast  revealed  them  unto  babes. 

Our  blessed  Lord  perfectly  knew  before-hand  the  persons 
who  would  profit  by  his  ministry :  but  his  observations,  conduct, 
and  discourses,  were  intended  as  a  pattern  and  instruction  to  his 
followers.  He  is  said  to  have  marvelled  at  the  unbelief  of  some, 
and  at  the  faith  of  others  ;  not  as  though  either  was  strange  to 
him,  who  was  acquainted  with  all  hearts,  and  always  knew  what 
he  himself  would  do  ;  but  it  is  spoken  of  him  as  a  man,  and  to 
show  how  his  ministers  and  people  should  be  affected  upon  the 
like  occasions.  In  the  preceding  verses  he  had  been  speaking  of 
Capernaum,  and  other  places,  where  his  mighty  works  have  been 
performed  in  vain.  He  had  denounced  a  sentence  against  them  j 
and  foretold  that  their  punishment  would  be  heavier  in  propor- 
tion to  the  greatness  of  the  privileges  they  had  abused.  But  this 
was  not  his  pleasing  work.  Mercy  and  grace  were  his  delight, 
and  he  usually  expressed  sorrow  and  pain  for  the  obstinacy  of  sin- 
ners. He  wept  for  his  avowed  enemies,  and  prayed  for  the  mur* 
derers  who  nailed  him  to  the  cross.  It  was  not  without  grief  that 
he  declared  the  approaching  doom  of  these  cities ;  yet,  raising  his 
thoughts  from  earth  to  heaven,  he  acquiesced  in  the  will  of  his 
heavenly  Father,  and  expressed  the  highest  satisfaction  in  his 
appointment.  He  knew  that,  however  some  would  harden 
themselves,  there  was  a  remnant  who  would  receive  the  truth, 
and  that  the  riches  and  glory  of  the  divine  sovereignty  and  grace 
would  be  magnified.  Before  I  enter  upon  the  particulars,  this 
connexion  of  the  words  will  afford  us  ground  for  some  observa- 
tions. 

Vol.  II.  .Jl 


82  THE    SMALL    SUCCESS    OF  THE  [Ser.  1 , 

I.  That  the  small  success  and  efficacy  of  the  preached  Gospel 
upon  multitudes  who  hear  it,  is  a  subject  of  wonder  and  grief  to 
the  ministers  and  people  of  God.  It  was  so  to  our  Lord  Jesus, 
considered  as  a  preacher  and  messenger  ;  and  they,  so  far  as 
they  have  received  his  Spirit,  judge  and  act  as  he  did. 

1.  Those  who  have  indeed  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious, 
have  had  such  a  powerful  experience  in  their  own  souls  of  the 
necessity  and  value  of  the  Gospel,  that  in  their  first  warmth,  and 
till  painful  experience  has  convinced  them  of  the  contrary,  they 
can  hardly  think  it  possible  that  sinners  should  stand  out  against 
its  evidence.  They  are  ready  to  say,  '  Surely  it  is  because  they 
are  ignorant ;  they  have  not  had  opportunity  of  considering  the 
evil  of  sin,  the  curse  of  the  law,  and  the  immense  goodness  of  God 
manifested  in  his  Son  ;  but  when  these  things  shall  be  plainly  and 
faithfully  set  before  them,  surely  they  will  submit,  and  thankfully 
receive  the  glad  tidings.'  With  such  sanguine  hopes  Melancthon 
entered  the  ministry  at  the  dawn  of  the  Reformation  :  he  thought 
he  had  only  to  speak,  and  to  be  heard,  in  order  to  convince  ;  but 
he  soon  found  himself  mistaken,  and  that  the  love  of  sin,  the 
power  of  prejudice,  and  the  devices  of  Satan,  were  such  obsta- 
cles in  his  way,  as  nothing  less  than  the  mighty  operations  of 
the  Spirit  of  God  could  break  through.  And  all  who  preach 
upon  his  principles,  and  with  his  views,  have  known  something  of 
his  disappointment.  Speaking  from  the  feelings  of  a  full  heart, 
they  are  ready  to  expect  that  others  should  be  no  less  aflected 
than  themselves.  But  when  they  find  that  they  are  heard  with 
indifference,  perhaps  with  contempt  ;  that  those  whose  salvation 
they  long  for  are  enraged  against  them  for  their  labour  of  love ; 
that  they  cannot  prevail  upon  their  dearest  friends  and  nearest 
relatives  ;  This  grieves  and  wounds  them  to  the  heart. 

2.  They  have  been  convinced  themselves,  that  unbelief  was 
the  worst  of  all  their  sins  :  and,  therefore,  though  they  pity  all 
who  live  in  the  practice  of  sin,  yet  they  have  a  double  grief  to  see 
them  reject  the  only  means  of  salvation  ;  and  that  this  contempt 
will  lie  more  heavily  upon  them  than  any  thing  they  can  be 
charged  with  besides.  It  gladdens  the  heart  of  a  minister  to  see 
a  large  and  attentive  assembly  ;  but  how  is  this  joy  damped  by 
a  just  fear,  lest  any,  lest  many  of  them  should  receive  this  grace 
of  God  in  vain,  and  have  cause  at  last  to  bewail  the  day  when 
the  name  of  Jesus  was  first  sounded  in  their  ears. 

It  seems  plain,  then,  that  those  who  are  indifferent  about  the 
event  of  the  Gospel,  who  satisfy  themselves  with  this  thought, 
that  the  elect  shall  be  saved,  and  feel  no  concern  for  unawakened 
sinners,  make  a  wrong  inference  from  a  true  doctrine,  and  know 
not  what  spirit  they  are  of.     Jesus  wept  for  those  who  perished  in 


Ser.   1.}  GOSPEL    MINISTRY    CONSIBERED.  8S 

their  sins.  St.  Paul  had  great  grief  and  sorrow  of  heart  for  the 
Jews,  though  he  gives  them  this  character,  '  They  please  not 
God,  and  are  contrary  to  all  men.'  It  well  becomes  us,  while 
we  admire  distinguishing  grace  to  ourselves,  to  mourn  over  others: 
and,  inasmuch  as  secret  things  belong  to  the  Lord,  and  we  know 
not  but  some  of  whom  we  have  at  present  but  little  hopes,  may  at 
last  be  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  we  should  be  patient 
and  forbearing  after  the  pattern  of  our  heavenly  Father,  and  en- 
deavour, by  every  probable  and  prudent  means,  to  stir  them  up  to 
repentance,  remembering  that  they  cannot  be  more  distant  from 
God  than,  by  nature,  we  were  ourselves. 

II.  The  best  relief  against  those  discouragements  we  meet  with 
from  men,  is  to  raise  our  thougjits  to  God  and  heaven.  For  this 
the  Lord  Jesus  is  our  precedent  here.     He  said,  '  I  thank  thee, 

0  Father.'  The  word*  signifies,  to  confess,  to  promise  our  con- 
sent, and  to  praise.  As  if  it  had  been  said,  '  1  glorify  thy  wis- 
dom in  this  respect,  I  acknowledge  and  declare  it  is  thy  will,  and 

1  express  my  own  consent  and  approbation.'  Our  Lord's  views 
of  the  divine  counsels  were  perfect,  and  therefore  his  satisfaction 
was  complete.  It  is  said,  '  He  rejoiced  in  spirit'f  when  he  utter- 
ed these  Words.  And  the  more  we  increase  in  faith  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  God,  the  more  we  shall  be  satisfied  in  his  appoint- 
ments, and  shall  see  and  say,  '  He  iiath  done  all  things  well.' 
It  is  needful,  for  our  comfort,  to  be  well  established  in  the  truth 
suggested  in  my  text,  that  the  Lord  hath  provided  for  the  ac- 
complishment of  his  own  purposes,  and  that  his  counsels  shall  sure- 
ly stand.     From  this  doctrine  we  may  infer, 

I.  That  where  the  faithful  labours  and  endeavours  of  minis- 
ters, and  others,  to  promote  the  knowledge  of  grace  and  the  prac- 
tice of  holiness,  fail  of  success,  yet  they  shall  be  accepted.  The 
servants  of  Christ  may,  in  their  humble  measure,  adopt  the  words 
of  their  Lord  and  Master,  in  the  prophet,  '  Tliough  Israel  be  not 
gathered,  yet  shall  I  be  glorious  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  and  my 
God  shall  be  my  strength.'!  When  he  sent  forth  his  disciples,  he 
directed  them,  wherever  the}'  entered,  to  say,  'Peace  be  to  this 
house!  and  if  a  son  of  peace  be  there,'  if  there  be  any  who 
thankfully  accept  your  salutation  and  message,  '  your  peace 
shall  rest  upon  it;  if  not,  it  shall  return  to  you  again  :'|j  that  is, 
your  good  wishes  and  endeavours  shall  not  be  lost  for  want  of 
proper  objects ;  but  when  they  seem  without  eflect  on  others, 
shall  be  productive  of  the  happiest  consequences  to  yourselves. 
You  shall  receive  all  you  were  desirous  to  communicate.  Thus 
his  ministers  are  to  declare  his  whole  will,  whether  men  will  hear, 

-  The  original  word  occurs  Matt.  iii.  6.     Luke  xxii.  6,  and  Rom.  xv.  9. 
t  Luke  X.  21.  t  Isa.  xlix.  5.  ||  Luke  x.  6. 


84  THE    SMALL    SUCCESS    OF    THE  [iscr.    1. 

or  whether  they  shall  forbear.  And  if  they  do  thus  with  a  single 
eye  to  his  glory,  and  in  humble  dependence  upon  his  blessing, 
they  are  not  answerable  for  the  event,  tliey  shall  in  no  wise  lose 
their  reward. 

2.  Faithful  endeavours  in  the  service  of  the  Gospel  shall  not 
wholly  fail.  Though  all  will  not  hear,  some  certainly  shall  both 
hear  and  obey.  Though  all  arc  by  nature  equally  averse  and  in- 
capable, yet  there  shall  be  '  a  willing  people  in  the  day  of  God's 
power.'*  If  the  wise  and  prudent  turn  away  from  the  truth, 
there  are  babes  to  whom  it  shall  be  revealed.  The  Lord  renews 
HRto  us  a  pledge  of  his  faithfulness  in  this  concern  every  time  the 
rain  descends.  For  thus  he  has  promised,  '  As  the  rain  cometh 
down,  and  the  snow  from  heaven,  and  returneth  not  thither,  but 
watereth  the  earth,  and  maketh  it  bring  forth  and  bud,  that  it 
may  give  seed  to  the  sower,  and  bread  to  the  eater  ;  so  shall  my 
word  be  that  goeth  forth  out  of  my  mouth  :  it  shall  not  return 
nnto  me  void,  but  it  shall  accomplish  that  which  I  please,  and  it 
shall  prosper  in  the  thing  whereto  I  send  it.'f 

3.  The  divine  sovereignty  is  the  best  thought  we  can  retreat  to 
for  composing  and  strengthening  our  minds  under  the  difficulties, 
discouragements,  and  disappointments  which  attend  the  publica- 
tion of  the  Gospel.  The  more  we  give  way  to  reasonings  and  cu- 
rious inquu'ies,  the  more  we  shall  be  perplexed  and  baffled.  When 
Jeremiah  J  had  been  complaining  of  some  things  which  were  too 
hard  for  him,  the  Lord  sent  him  to  the  potter's  house,  and  taught 
him  to  infer,  from  the  potter's  power  over  the  clay,  the  just  right 
which  the  Lord  of  all  hath  to  do  what  he  will  with  his  own.  It 
is  only  the  pride  of  our  own  hearts  that  prevents  this  considera- 
tion from  being  perfectly  conclusive  and  satisfactory.  How  ma- 
ny schemes  derogatory  from  the  free  grace  of  God,  tending  to 
darken  the  glory  of  the  Gospel,  and  to  depreciate  the  righteous- 
ness of  the  Redeemer,  have  taken  their  rise  from  vain,  minecessa- 
ry  attempts  to  vindicate  the  ways  of  God  ;  or  rather  to  limit  the 
actings  of  infinite  wisdom  to  the  bounds  of  our  narrow  under- 
standings, to  sound  the  depths  of  the  divine  counsels  with  our  feeble 
plummets,  and  to  say  to  Omnipotence,  '  Hitherto  shalt  thou  go, 
and  no  further.'  But  upon  the  ground  of  the  divine  sovereignty 
we  may  rest  satisfied  and  stable  :  for  if  God  appoints  and  over- 
rules all,  according  to  the  purpose  of  his  own  will,  we  have  suf- 
ficient security,  both  for  the  present  and  the  future. 

First,  for  the  present.  We  may  firmly  expect,  what  Scripture 
and  reason  concur  to  assure  us,  that  '  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth 
will  do  right.'     Whatever  to  us  appears  otherwise  in  his  proceed- 

*P^1.  ex.  ?.;  f  isa.  l\.  10.  J  Jer.  xviij.  c. 


Ser.    1.}  GOSPEL    MINISTRY    CONSIBERED.  S5 

ings  should  be  charged  to  the  darkness  and  weakness  of  our 
minds.  We  know  that  in  every  point  of  science  difficulties  and 
objections  occur  to  young  beginners,  which,  at  first  view,  may 
seem  almost  unanswerable  :  hut,  as  knowledge  increases,  the  dif- 
ficulties gradually  subside,  and,  at  last,  we  perceive  they  were 
chiefly  owing  to  the  defects  of  our  apprehension.  In  divinity  it  is 
wholly  so  :  '  God  is  light,  and  in  him  is  no  darkness  at  all  :'  his 
revealed  will  is,  like  himself,  just,  holy,  pure  in  the  whole,  and  per- 
fectly consistent  in  every  part.  We  may  safely  rest  upon  this 
general  maxim,  that  'the  Judge  of  all  the  earth  shall  do  right.' 
Though  he  does  not  give  us  a  particular  account  of  his  dealings, 
and  we  are  not  fully  able  to  comprehend  them,  yet  we  ought, 
against  all  appearances  and  proud  reasonings,  to  settle  it  firmly  in 
our  minds,  that  every  thing  is  conducted  worthy  the  views  which 
God  has  given  us  of  himself  in  his  holy  word,  as  a  Being  of  inli- 
nite  justice,  wisdom,  goodness  and  truth.     And  further, 

Secondly,  For  the  future.  He  has  appointed  a  day  when  he 
will  make  it  appear  that  he  has  done  right.  Though  clouds  and 
darkness  are  now  upon  his  proceedings,  they  shall,  ere  long,  be 
removed.  When  all  his  designs  in  providence  and  grace  are 
completed  ;  when  the  present  imperfect  state  of  things  shall  be 
finished  ;  when  the  dead,  small  and  great,  are  summoned  to  stand 
before  him  ;  then  the  great  Judge  will  condescend  to  unfold  the 
whole  train  of  his  dispensations,  and  will  justify  his  proceedings 
before  angels  and  men  ;  then  every  presumptuous  cavil  shall  be 
silenced,  every  difficulty  solved.  His  people  shall  admire  his 
wisdom,  his  enemies  shall  confess  his  justice.  The  destruction  of 
those  who  perish  shall  be  acknowledged  deserved,  and  of  them- 
selves ;  and  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  shall  ascribe  all  the  glory 
of  their  salvation  to  him  alone.  What  we  shall  then  see,  it  is  now 
our  duty  and  our  comfort  assuredly  to  believe. 

The  great  subject  of  our  Saviour's  joy,  and  which,  so  far  as  it 
is  apprehended,  will  bear  up  his  servants  above  all  their  difficul- 
ties and  disappointments,  I  mean  the  consideration  of  the  sove- 
reign  hand  of  God  directing  the  success  of  his  word  when  and 
where  he  pleases,  we  must  defer  speaking  of  till  the  next  oppor- 
tunity. And  we  shall  close,  at  present,  with  a  few  inferences  from 
what  has  been  said  thus  far  by  way  of  introduction. 

1.  Take  heed  how  you  hear.  The  Gospel  of  salvation  which 
is  sent  to  you  will  be  either  a  '  savour  of  life  unto  life,  or  of  death 
unto  death,'  to  every  soul  of  you.  There  is  no  medium.  Though, 
in  a  common  and  familiar  way  of  speaking,  we  sometimes  com- 
"  plain  tliat  the  Gospel  is  preached  without  effect,  there  is,  in  reali- 
ty, no  possibility  that  it  can  be  without  cflect.  An  eflect  it  must 
and  will  have  upon  all  who  hear  it.     Happy  they  who  receive  and 


80  THE    SMALL    SUCCESS    OF    THE  [Ser.    1. 

embrace  it  as  the  joyful  sound,  the  unspeakable  gift  of  God's  love. 
To  these  it  will  be  a  '  savour  of  life  unto  life.'  It  will  communi- 
cate life  to  the  soul  at  first,  and  maintain  that  life,  in  defiance  of  all 
opposition,  till  it  terminates  in  gior}'.  But  wo,  wo  to  those  who 
receive  it  not.  It  will  be  to  tiiem  '  a  savour  of  death  unto  death.' 
It  will  leave  them  under  the  sentence  of  death  already  denounced 
against  them  by  the  law  which  they  have  transgressed  ;  and  it  will 
consign  them  to  eternal  death,  under  the  heaviest  aggravations  of 
guilt  and  misery.  Remember  the  doom  of  Capernaum,  and  why 
it  was  denounced.  Jesus  preached  amongst  them  tiie  words  of 
eternal  lite,  and  they  rejected  him.  This  was  all.  In  other 
things,  perhaps,  they  were  no  worse  than  their  neighbours,  and 
probably  disdained  to  hear  themselves  judged  worthy  of  a  heavier 
punishment  than  Sodom,  and  those  cities  which,  for  their  abomi- 
nations, were  consumed  with  fire  from  heaven.  But  our  Lord  as- 
sures us  it  shall  be  more  tolerable  for  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  in 
the  day  of  judgment,  than  for  those  who  slight  his  word.  For 
this  guilt  and  condemnation  is  not  confined  to  the  Jews  who  re- 
jected his  person,  but  extended  to  all  who  should  at  any  time 
treat  bis  Gospel  with  contempt.  However  inconsiderable  his  min- 
isters are  in  other  respects,  if  they  faithful]}^  deliver  his  message, 
he  has  declared  himself  closely  interested  in  the  reception  they 
meet  with  :  '  He  that  receiveth  you,  receiveth  me  ;  and  he  that 
despiseth  you,  despiscth  both  me  and  him  that  sent  me.'*  It  is 
therefore  at  your  peril  to  treat  what  we  say  with  indifference,  (if 
we  speak  agreeably  to  the  Scripture,)  the  word  of  God,  which  we 
preach,  will  judge  you  at  the  last  day. 

2.  Be  afraid  of  being  wise  in  your  own  eyes,  lest  you  should 
approach  to  the  characters  of  those  fram  whom  the  righteous  God 
sees  fit  to  hide  the  knowledge  of  those  truths,  without  which  they 
cannot  be  saved.  The  Gospel  is  not  proposed  to  you  to  ask 
your  opinion  of  it,  that  it  may  stand  or  fall  according  to  your  de- 
cision ;  but  it  peremptorily  demands  your  submission.  K  you 
think  yourselves  qualified  to  judge  and  examine  it  by  that  imper- 
fect and  depraved  light  which  j'ou  call  your  reason,  you  will 
probably  find  reasons  enough  to  refuse  your  assent.  Reason  is 
properly  exercised  in  the  ordinary  concerns  of  life,  and  has  so  far 
a  place  in  religious  inquiries,  that  none  can  or  do  believe  the 
Gospel  without  having  suflicient  reasons  for  it.  But  you  need  a 
higher  light,  tlie  light  of  God's  Spirit,  without  which  the  most 
glorious  displays  of  his  wisdom  will  appear  foolishness  to  you. 
If  you  come  simple,  dependent,  and  teachable;  if  you  pray  from 
your  heart,  with  David,  '  Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  see 

■■Man.  X.  40. 


Ser.    1.]  GOSPEL    5IINISTRT  CONSIDERED.  87 

wondrous  things  in  thy  law  ;'*  you  will  be  heard  and  answered  ; 
you  will  grow  in  the  knowledge  and  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ :  but  if  you  neglect  this,  and  trust  in  yourselves,  as  sup- 
posing this  promised  assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit  unnecessary, 
the  glorious  light  of  the  Gospel  will  shine  upon  you  in  vain  ;  for 
Satan  will  maintain  such  hold  of  you,  by  this  pride  of  your  hearts, 
as  still  to  keep  you  in  bondage  and  darkness,  that  you  shall  nei- 
ther see  it,  nor  desire  to  see  it. 

3.  Those  of  you  who  have  some  spiritual  apprehensions  of 
these  things  have  reason  to  praise  God  that  you  see  a  little.  You 
was  once  quite  blind ;  you  neither  saw  your  disease  nor  your 
remedy.  You  could  discern  nothing  of  the  excellence  of  Christ, 
or  the  beauties  of  holiness.  But  now  the  eyes  of  your  under- 
standing are  in  some  measure  enlightened.  It  is  the  grace  of 
God  has  made  you  thus  far  to  differ  from  what  you  once  was,  and 
from  what  multitudes  around  you  still  are.  Be  thankful.  Ac- 
cept it  as  a  token  for  good.  Be  not  discouraged  that  the  begin- 
nings are  small ;  but  wait  on  the  Lord,  and  they  shall  be  increas- 
ed. Seek  him  by  prayer.  Converse  with  your  Bibles.  Attend 
upon  the  public  ordinances.  In  the  humble  use  of  these  means 
(while  you  endeavour  to  act  faithfully,  according  to  the  light  you 
have  already  received)  you  shall  gradually  advance  in  wisdom 
and  comfort.  The  Christian  growth  is  not  instantaneous,  but  by 
degrees,  as  the  early  dawn  increases  in  brightness,  till  the  perfect 
day,f  and  as  the  corn  comes  forward  surel}',  though  unperceiv- 
ed.J  In  this  manner,  your  views  of  Gospel  truth  shall  increase 
in  clearness,  evidence,  and  influence,  till  you  are  removed  from 
this  land  of  shadows  to  the  regions  of  perfect  light,  to  behold  the 
truth,  as  it  shines  in  the  person  of  Jesus,  without  a  veil,  and  with- 
out  a  cloud,  for  ever. 

*  Psalm  cxix.  18.  f  Prov.  iv.  18.  f^Iatr,  xiii.  SI,  32. 


SERMON  II. 


IJJ^  WHAT  SENSE  THE  MYSTERIES  OF  THE  GOSPEL  ARE 
HID  FROM  MANY. 


Matt.  xi.  25. 

^t  Hint  time  Jesus  answered  and  said,  1  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven, 
and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and 
hast  revealed  them  unto  babes. 

When  our  Lord  appeared  upon  earth,  though  he  came  on  the 
most  gracious  and  important  business,  displayed  the  perfection 
of  hohness  in  his  conduct,  and  performed  innumerable  acts  of 
kindness  and  love,  he  met  with  little  regard.  He  found  many 
enemies,  but  few  hearty  friends.  Especially  those  who  were 
most  eminent  for  riches,  learning,  power,  or  reputed  goodness, 
disdained  him  ;  and  most  of  those  who  followed  him  were  either 
people  in  low  circumstances,  or  whose  character  had  been  offen- 
sive. Publicans  and  sinners,  fishermen,  unlearned  and  obscure 
persons,  were  almost  the  only  friends  he  had.  The  Lord  Jesus, 
who  was  infinitely  above  the  selfish  views  which  are  too  apt  to  in- 
fluence our  little  minds,  was  well  satisfied  with  this  event.  He 
did  not  desire  honour  from  men.  '  The  souls  of  the  poor  were 
precious  in  his  sight.'*  He  spoke  kindly  to  those  whom  men  ab- 
liorred  ;  and,  if  he  mourned  over  the  obstinacy  of  the  chiefs  of  the 
})eople,  it  was  for  their  own  sakes.  Yet,  (as  I  observed  former- 
ly,) when  he  considered  the  appointment  and  will  of  God,  in  this 
dispensation,  he  was  not  only  content,  but  he  rejoiced.  He  ex- 
pressed his  approbation  in  these  words  :  '  I  thank  thee,  O  Father,* 
he.  There  is  something  observable  in  this  passage  which  will  be 
of  continual  use  and  application,  so  long  as  the  Gospel  shall  be 
preached.  For  as  it  was  then,  so  it  is  still;  the  things  that  are 
iiid  from  the  wise  and  prudent  are  revealed  unto  babes.  Five 
particulars  offer  from  the  words  for  our  consideration. 

1 .  What  may  be  intended  by  these  things  ? 

2.  Where  and  in  what  sense  they  are  hid  ? 

3.  From  whom  .''      The  wise  and  j^ftident  ? 

4.  How  the  knowledge  of  them  is  to  be  obtained  ?  By  revela- 
tion ;  thoii  hast  revealed. 

o.  Who  are  thus  favoured  .'      Bales. 

•'Psahnlxxrt.  13,  14, 


Ser.  2. J  GOSPEL  hid  from  many.  S9 

I.  By  the  things  which  it  pleases  God  should  be  hid  from  tlie 
wise,  and  revealed  to  babes,  we  may  understand, 

1.  In  general,  the  things  pertaining  to  salvation.  That  most  men 
are  ignorant  of  them,  and  careless  about  tiiem,  is  too  plain.  Out 
of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  speaketh,  and  the  tree  is 
known  by  its  fruits.  Men  speak  as  though  their  tongues  were 
their  own  ;  they  act  as  though  they  were  to  give  no  account ;  they 
live  as  though  the\^  were  to  live  here  for  ever.  The  way.  of  truth 
is  hid  from  their  eyes,  and  the  fear  of  God  has  no  place  in  their 
hearts. 

2.  More  particularly,  those  doctrines  which  are  in  an  especial 
sense  peculiar  to  the  Gospel,  seem  here  to  be  intended.  If  the 
principles  of  what  some  call  Natural  Religion,  though  agreeable 
to  the  light  of  natural  conscience,  are  little  regarded,  the  more 
spiritual  truths  of  the  Bible  are  not  only  neglccied,  but  scorned 
and  opposed.  The  same  spirit  which  showed  itself  under  our 
Lord's  personal  ministry  still  subsists.  The  chief  doctrines  he 
taught,  and  for  which  he  met  with  the  fiercest  opposition,  were 
precisely  the  same  with  those  which  have  awakened  the  scorn  and 
rage  of  the  world  ever  since  ;  and  which  multitudes  wIjo  bear 
the  nanie  of  Christians  in  this  day  oppose  with  all  their  strength. 
Such  as, 

First,  the  divinity  of  Christ.  When  he  spoke  of  himself  as 
existing  before  Abraham,  and  said  that  God  was  his  oivn  father,* 
the  Jews  took  up  stones  to  stone  iiim.  And  this  mystery  is  still 
hid  from  the  natural  man.  No  one  can  say,  acknowledae,  and 
believe,  that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord  or  Jehovah,  that  he  who  once 
hung  upon  the  cross,  bleeding  to  death,  is  God,  the  maker  of  all 
things,  the  rightful  object  of  the  supreme  love,  trust,  and  liomagc 
of  men  and  angels,  but  by  the  Holy  Ghost.f 

Secondly,  Distinguishing  grace.  '  When  Jesus  first  preached 
at  Nazareth,  the  eyes  of  all  were  fixed  upon  him  ;'J  but  wiien, 
making  application  to  themselves,  he  touched  upon  this  point, 
from  the  examples  of  Naaman  the  Syrian,  and  the  widow  of  Sa- 
repta,  who  were  released  when  many  lepers  and  widows  in  Israel 

*  John  V.  18.  Ilacipa  loiov  iXsy?.  He  side!  tliat  God  was  his  oitn  father ;  \n 
a  sense  pecuhar  to  himself,  and  exchisive  of  all  others.  The  Jews  wcjll  under- 
stood the  meaning  of  this  assertion,  that  thereby  /(C  made  himself  equal  icith 
Clod:  and  therefore,  as  they  did  not  believe  in  him,  tliey  charged  him  with 
i;)lasphemy.  It  would,  indeed,  have  been  blaspheniy  in  mere  man,  or  in  the 
highest  archangel,  to  have  spoken  of  him  self  in  these  terms.  But  the  force  of 
the  expression  is  lost  in  our  version  of  the  New  Testament,  through  the  omis- 
sion of  the  word  'lOiov,  his  own;  which  seems  one  of  the  most  important  mis- 
takes to  be  found  in  that  translation. 

T  1  (^)r.  xii.  ^.  t  Luke  iv.  ]t;— 2(i, 

Vol.  I).  .  13 


90  THE  MYSTERIES  OF  THE  [Scr.  2, 

were  passed  by,  they  were  filled  with  indignation,  and  would  have 
thrown  him  headlong  down  the  rock.  And  it  is  to  this  hour  an 
offensive  doctrine  to  all  who  do  not  know  the  value  and  the  need 
of  it. 

Thirdly,  The  new  birth.  When  this  was  proposed  to  a  master 
in  Israel,  he  cried  out,  '  How  can  these  things  be.'*  And  by 
many  who  are  wise  and  prudent  in  their  own  sight,  it  is  at  this 
day  accounted  nonsense.  A  small  acquaintance  with  the  general 
strain  of"  what  is  published  either  from  the  pulpit  or  the  press,  may 
prove  that  modern  divinity  has,  for  the  most  part,  found  a  smooth- 
er path  to  tread  than  that  by  which  Nicodemus  was  conducted  to 
the  knowledge  of  himself  and  his  Saviour.  Such  a  doubtful  in- 
quirer might  now  be  entertained  with  many  ingenious  essays  on 
the  beauty  of  virtue,  the  efficacy  of  benevolence,  the  excellency 
of  the  human  mind,  and  other  favourite  topics.  He  would  find 
teachers  enough  to  encourage  and  improve  the  idea  he  has  of  his 
own  importance,  but  he  would  hardly  meet  with  many  who  would 
speak  to  him  in  our  Lord's  language,  and  refer  him  to  the  brazen 
serpent,  and  a  new  birth,  in  order  to  learn  the  means  and  the  na- 
ture of  the  Gospel  salvation. 

Fourthl}',  The  nature  of  the  life  of  faith.  When  our  Lord 
spoke  of  this,  under  the  metaphor  of  eating  his  flesh,  and  drink- 
ing his  blood,  many,  who  till  then  had  professed  themselves  his 
disciples,  '  turned  back,  and  walked  no  more  with  him.'f  And 
none  can  bear  it  now,  who  are  not  taught  of  God,  to  see  such  an 
excellency  and  sufficiency  in  Jesus,  and  such  emptiness  in  them- 
selves, as  constrains  them  to  cry  out,  with  Peter,  '  Lord  to  whom 
shall  we  go  .^'J  These  things  are  hid  from  the  wise  and  prudent. 
But, 

n.  Where,  and  in  what  sense,  are  these  things  hid  ? 

1.  Where  are  they,  hid  ? 

First,  They  are  hid  in  Christ,  '  In  him  are  hid  all  the  treasures 
of  wisdom  and  knowledge. '§  He  is  the  great  repository  of  truth. 
'  It  pleased  the  Father  that  in  him  should  all  fulness  dwell. ||  And 
he  is  the  messenger  by  whom  the  will  of  God  is  made  known  to 
man. IT     From  hence  observe, 

(1.)  You  can  attain  to  no  saving  truth  but  in  and  by  the  know- 
ledge of  Jesus  Christ.  If  they  are  hid  in  him,  it  can  be  but  lost 
labour  to  seek  them  elsewhere. 

(2.)  Whatever  seeming  knowledge  you  have,  if  it  does  not  en- 
dear him  to  you,  it  is  nothing  worth.     It  is  science,  falsely  so  cal- 

*  John  iii.  9.  f  John  vi.  Gd.  t  John  vi,  68. 

5>  Colli.  3.  IICol.  i.  19.  HLukeix.35.  Johni.  18. 


Ser.  2.]  GOSPEL  hid  from  many.  9J 

led,  and  can  do  you  no  good  :  for  in  the  knowledge  of  him,  and 
of  him  alone,  is  eternal  life.* 

Secondly,  They  are  hid  in  the  word  of  God. 

(1.)  They  are  contained  there.  '  The  whole  Scripture  is 
given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is  able  to  make  us  wise  un- 
to salvation  ;'f  to  furnish  us  with  a  sufliciency  of  knowledge 
and  motive  for  every  good  work.  The  word  of  God  is  per- 
fect. 

(2.)  Yet  though  contahjed  there,  they  are  not  plain  to  every 
eye.  Though  they  are  revealed  in  the  letter,  they  are  still  hid 
from  the  wise  and  prudent.  Something  more  is  necessary  than 
barely  to  read  in  order  to  understand  them  ;  otherwise  all  who  can 
read,  and  have  the  Bible,  would  be  equally  enlightened  with  equal 
application.  But  experience  shows  it  is  far  otherwise.  This  leads 
me  further  to  inquire, 

2.  In  what  sense  they  are  hid  ? 

First,  They  are  not  hid  as  if  it  were  on  purpose  that  those  who 
sincerely  seek  them  should  be  disappointed  in  their  search.  Far 
be  it  from  us  to  think  so  hardly  of  the  Lord.  We  have  express 
promises  to  the  contrary,  that  all  who  earnestly  seek  shall  find. 
Fear  not,  you  that  sincerely  desire  an  experimental  and  pi'actical 
knowledge  of  the  truths  of  God,  and  are  willing  to  be  taught  in 
his  appointed  way  :  though  many  things  appear  difficult  to  you  at 
present,  the  Lord  will  gradually  increase  your  light,  and  crown 
your  endeavours  with  success. 

Secondly,  But  from  some  persons  they  are  hid,  even  from  the 
wise  and  prudent,  whom  we  are  to  speak  of  hereafter.  Sufier  me 
to  ofier  a  familiar  illustration  of  the  Lord's  wisdom  and  justice 
in  this  procedure.  Let  me  suppose  a  person  to  have  a  curious 
cabinet,  which  is  opened  at  his  pleasure,  and  not  exposed  to  com- 
mon view :  he  invites  all  to  come  to  see  it,  and  oflers  to  show  it 
to  any  one  who  asks  him.  It  is  hid,  because  he  keeps  the  key  ; 
but  none  can  complain,  because  he  is  ready  to  open  it  whenever 
he  is  desired.  Some^  perhaps,  disdain  the  ofier,  and  say.  Why  is 
it  locked  at  all  f  Some  think  it  not  worth  seeing,  or  amuse  them- 
selves with  guessing  at  the  contents.  But  those  who  are  simply 
desirous  for  themselves,  leave  others  disputing,  go  according  to 
appointment,  and  are  gratified.  These  have  reason  to  be  thank- 
ful for  the  favour  ;  and  the  others  have  no  just  cause  to  fmd  fault. 
Thus  the  riches  of  divine  grace  may  be  compared  to  a  richly-fur- 
nished, cabinet,  to  which  Christ  is  the  door.  The  word  of  God, 
likewise,  is  a  cabinet  generally  locked  up  ;  but  the  key  of  prayer 
will  open  it.     The  Lord  invites  all  ;  but  he  keeps  the  dispeiisa- 

-  Jo!in  xvii,  f>.  '  '2  Tiin.  iii.  lU. 


92  THE    MYSTERIES    OF    THE  [ScF.    2. 

tionin  his  own  hand.  They  cannot  see  these  things  except  he  shows 
them  ;  but  then  he  refuses  none  that  sincerely  ask  him.  The 
wise  men  of  the  world  can  go  no  furtlicr  than  the  outside  of  this 
cabinet  ;  the}'  may  amuse  themselves,  and  surprise  others,  with 
their  ingenious  guesses  at  what  is  within  ;  but  a  babe  that  has 
seen  it  ojienefi  can  give  us  more  satisfaction  without  studying  or 
guessing  at  all.  If  men  will  presume  to  aim  at  the  knov.ledge  of 
God,  without  the  knowledge  of  Christ,  who  is  the  way,  and  the 
door  ;  if  they  have  such  a  high  opinion  of  their  own  wisdom  and 
penetration,  as  to  suppose  they  can  understand  the  Scriptures 
without  tiie  assistance  of  his  Spirit ;  or  if  their  worldly  wisdom 
teaches  them  that  these  things  are  not  worth  their  inquiry  ;  what 
wonder  is  it  that  they  should  continue  to  be  hid  A'om  their  eyes  .'' 
They  will  one  day  be  stripped  of  their  false  pleas,  and  condemned 
out  of  their  own  mouths. 

Thirdly,  the  expression,  '  Thou  hast  hid,'  may  perhaps  further 
imply,  that  those  who  seek  occasion  to  cavil,  shall  meet  with 
something  to  confirm  their  prejudices.  When  people  examine  the 
doctrines  or  profession  of  the  Gospel,  not  with  a  candid  desire  to 
learn,  imitate  and  practise,  but  in  order  to  find  some  plausible 
ground  for  misrepresentation,  they  frequently  have  their  wish. 
The  wisdom  of  God  has  appointed  that  difficulties,  offences,  ob- 
jections, and  stumbling-blocks  should  attend,  to  exercise  and  man- 
ifest the  spirits  of  these  wise  ones.  How  largely  do  they  expa- 
tiate on  the  divisions  and  difference,  of  sentiments  which  too  much 
prevail  among  those  who  are  united  in  the  same  leading  truths  ! 
If  they  can  discover  an  instance  of  error,  folly,  or  wickedness,  of 
a  single  person  who  professes  to  adhere  to  the  Gospel  doctrine, 
how  do  they  rejoice  as  if  they  had  f)und  great  spoil,  charge  the 
faults  of  a  few  indiscriminately  upon  the  whole,  and  labour  to 
show  that  every  mistake  and  inadvertence  is  a  necessary  conse- 
quence of  the  principles  which  those  maintain  who  commit  it. 
AVe  do  not  plead  for  mistakes  and  errors  of  any  sort,  for  wcnkness 
in  judgment,  or  inconsistence  in  practice.  But  as  these  things 
are  more  or  less  inseparable  from  the  present  state  of  human  na- 
ture, they  necessarily  increase  and  strengthen  the  prepossession  of 
scorners  against  the  truth,  and  are  so  far  a  means  of  hiding  it  from 
their  eyes.  Yet  here  again  the  fault  is  wholly  in  themselves  ;  for 
they  seek  and  desire  such  occasions  of  stumbling,  and  would  be 
disappointed  and  grieved  if  they  could  not  meet  w  ith  them.  But 
those  who  are  babes  in  their  own  eyes,  humble,  sincere,  and 
teachable,  are  brought  safe  through,  by  a  simple  dependent  spirit, 
and  are  made  wiser  every  day,  by  their  observation  of  what  passes 
around  thom. 


Ser.  2.]  GOSPEL  hid  from  many.  93 

IMany  inlerences  and  advices  mlglit  be  deduced  iVom  what  has 
been  said.     I  shall  content  myself  with  three. 

1.  Examine  yourselves  what  understanding  and  experience  you 
have  of  the  things  I  mentioned  under  die  first  head.  So  much 
as  you  know  of  these,  so  far  you  are  Christians,  and  no  fiuther. 
'  A  form  of  godliness,  without  the  power,'*  is  one  of  the  worst 
characters  of  the  worst  times;  yet  how  common  in  the  present 
day  !  How  many  who  choose  to  be  called  Christians  reject  the 
testimony  which  God  has  given  of  his  Son,  deny  the  efficacy  of 
liis  grace,  speak  of  the  new  birth  with  disdain,  as  unintelligible 
and  unnecessary,  and  account  all  that  can  be  said  of  the  life  of 
faith  (though  founded  upon  express  Scripture,  and  attested  by 
many  witnesses)  no  better  than  enthusiastic  Jargon  !  But  if  you 
are  thus  minded,  however  sober  your  deportment,  or  professedly 
benevolent  your  disposition,  though  you  may  be  applauded  as  a 
pattern  of  generosity,  a  philosopher,  or  a  saint,  by  your  acquaint- 
ance and  neighbours,  if  tiie  Scriptures  are  true,  you  can  be  but 
as  a  sounding  brass  and  tinkling  cymbal  in  the  sight  of  God. 
You  would  have  despised  Thomas  in  your  heart,  if  you  had  been 
witness  to  his  joyful  exclamation  when  he  worshipped  Jesus,  and 
cried,  '  My  Lord  and  my  God.'f  You  would  have  despised  Paul 
as  a  dark  enthusiast,  had  you  heard  him  say,  'The  life  wl/ch  I 
now  live  in  the  flesh,  1  live  by  faith  in  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved 
me,  and  gave  himself  for  me. 'J  Yea,  you  must  have  despised 
Jesus  himself,  if  you  had  been  present  at  his  conference  with  Nic- 
odemus.  Our  Lord  Jesus  is  now  in  heaven,  Thomas  and  Paul 
have  been  long  dead  ;  you  cannot  reach  them  ;  nor  do  they  stand 
in  your  way  ;  therefore,  perhaps  you  are  content  to  speak  well 
of  them  in  general  terms.  But  those  who  come  nearest  to  their 
language  and  spirit  are  the  objects  of  your  scorn  and  hatred. 
How,  then,  can  you  pretend  to  love  him,  or  presume  that  he 
loves  you  ?  Jesus  is  worshipped  in  heaven  ;  how  then  can  you 
expect  to  come  there  t  or  what  pleasure  could  you  find  there,  in 
your  present  turn  of  mind  f  '  O  kiss  the  Son,  lest  he  be  angry, 
and  you  perish  ;  lor  in  a  little  time  his  wrath  will  burn  like 
fire.'^ 

But  to  every  one  who  understands,  embraces,  and  lives  under 
the  influence  of  these  trutl-.s,  1  may  safely  apply  our  I^ord's 
words,  '  Blessed  art  iliou,'v^  however  despised  b}  men,  or  chas- 
tened of  the  Lord  ;  '  lor  flesh  and  blood  hath  not  revealed  these 
things  to  thee ;'  thou  hast  assuredly  received  them  from  God,  by 
his  Spirit.     He  alone  is  able  to  cause  the  light  to  shine  into  our 

*  '2  Tim.  iii.  5.  +  Jn!ui  xx.  28. 

I  Ga!.  ii.  2Q,  V  >latt.  xvi.  17. 


94  THE    MYSTERIES    OF    THE  [Ser.    2. 

dark  hearts,  '  to  give  us  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God  in  the 
face  of  Jesus  Christ.'* 

2.  Do  not  entertain  hard  and  perplexing  thoughts  about  the 
counsels  of  God,  either  res])ecting  others  or  yourselves. 

First,  With  regard  to  others.  It  is  a  frequent  difficulty,  either 
thrown  in  the  way  of  inquirers  after  truth  by  the  subtilty  of  Satan, 
or  perhaps  arising  from  the  natural  pride  of  the  human  heart, 
that  would  be  thought  able  to  account  for  every  thing.  I  say, 
when  they  begin  to  apprehend  the  Gospel  way  of  salvation,  this 
perplexing  question  arises,  If  things  are  so,  what  will  become  of 
multitudes  ?  What !  are  all  the  Heathens,  Mahometans,  Papists, 
and  even  all  the  Protestants,  except  the  few  who  adopt  these  sin- 
gular sentiments,  to  be  lost  ?  I  shall  not  attempt  to  conquer  this 
objection  by  dint  of  reasoning,  but  would  rather  persuade  you 
to  direct  your  reasonings  another  way.  When  the  same  ques- 
tion for  substance  was  proposed  to  our  Lord,  his  answer  to  tliosc 
v/ho  asked  him  was,  '  Strive  (each  one  for  yourselves)  to  enter  in 
at  tiie  strait  gate.'f  Take  care  of  yourselves,  and  leave  the  cases 
of  others  to  the  Lord.  Remember  he  is  God,  and  therefore  just 
and  good. 

Secondly,  With  regard  to  yourselves.  Secret  things  belong 
to  God  ;  your  business  is  with  what  is  revealed.  Some  put  the 
word  of  salvation  from  them  perversely,  and  think,  if  the  Lord 
designs  me  for  eternal  life,  he  will  call  me  in  his  own  time  ;  till 
then  I  will  go  on  in  my  sins.  Those  who  can  reason  thus,  and 
take  encouragement  to  persist  in  wickedness,  from  the  considera- 
tion of  the  power  and  eliicacy  of  God's  grace,  do  thereby  avow 
themselves  to  be  Satan's  willing  servants.  But  he  terrifies  many 
on  whom  he  cannot  thus  prevail,  with  representing  to  them,  that, 
let  them  do  what  they  will,  it  is  all  in  vain  ;  unless  the  Lord  has 
chosen  them,  notwithstanding  any  good  beginnings  they  may  hope 
he  has  wrought  in  them,  they  will  come  to  nothing  at  last.  It  is 
your  business  to  give  all  diligence  to  make  your  calling  sure. 
If,  by  a  humble  waiting  upon  God,  3'ou  are  enabled  to  have  your 
conversation  according  to  the  Gospel,  listen  not  to  vain  and  per- 
plexing reasonings,  but  commit  yourself  to  the  mercy  and  guid- 
ance of  the  Lord  ;  and  he,  in  his  good  time,  will  enable  you  to 
see,  and  to  say,  that  it  is  not  in  vain  to  trust  in  him.  Your  path 
shall  be  like  the  advancing  light,  that  shineth  more  and  more  unto 
the  perfect  day.  The  Lord  has  already  provided  all  that  you  can 
reasonably  desire. 

(1.)  The  means  are  pointed  out,  in  the  use  of  which  3'ou 
are  to    be  found,  and   wherein    you    may    expect  his  blessing* 

*  2  Cor.  iv.  •G.  ^  Luke  xiii.  23,  24-. 


Ser.  2. J  GOSPEL  hid  from  many.  95 

These  are  chiefly  secret  prayer,  the  study  of  his  written  word, 
an  attendance  on  the  preached  Gospel,  and  free  converse  (as 
proper  opportunities  are  afibrded)  with  his  believing  people.  If 
you  continue  in  the  observance  of  these,  and  act  faithfully  to  the 
light  you  have  already  received,  by  breaking  off  from  the  evil 
practices  of  the  world,  and  watching  against  those  things  which 
you  yourself  know  to  be  evil,  you  will  certainly  gain  ground  in 
light,  strength,  and  comfort.  You  will  see  more  and  more  of  the 
glory  of  the  Lord  in  the  glass  of  the  Gospel;  and,  in  proportion 
to  your  views,  you  shall  be  '  changed  into  the  same  image  from 
glory  to  glory.'     For, 

(2.)  The  promise  is  sure.  What  God  has  said  you  may  as- 
suredly depend  on.  And  what  has  he  said  ?  What,  indeed,  has 
he  not  said  for  the  encouragement  of  those  who  are  sincerely  de- 
sirous to  seek  and  serve  him  ?  'They  that  seek  shall  find.  They 
that  wait  on  the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength.  I  will  pour 
water  upon  him  that  is  thirsty,  and  floods  upon  the  dry  ground. 
He  giveth  power  to  the  weak  ;  and  to  them  that  have  no  might 
iie  increaseth  strength.'* 

If,  therefore,  you  feel  yourself  a  lost  sinner,  see  a  beauty 
and  sufficiency  in  Jesus,  have  a  hunger  and  thirst  after  his 
righteousness,  and  are  made  willing  to  expect  the  blessing  in 
his  way,  you  may  look  upon  this  as  a  token  for  good.  Such 
views  and  desires  as  these  never  are  found  in  any  heart  till  he 
communicates  them.  By  nature  we  are  averse  and  contrary  to 
them.  Give  him  the  glory  of  what  he  has  begun  ;  and  oppose 
your  temptations,  fears,  and  doubts,  with  this  argument,  d,rawn 
from  your  own  experience,  as  the  wife  of  Manoah  formerly  rea- 
soned :  '  If  the  Lord  had  been  pleased  to  kill  us,  he  would  not 
have  enabled  and  encouraged  us  to  call  upon  him  ;  neither  would 
he,  at  this  time,  have  shown  us  such  things  as  these.'f 


^  Matt.  vii.  7,-  G.  Isa.  si.  GS— 31.  Isa.  \liv.  3,  ^  Judges  xiii.  23, 


SERMON  III, 


THE  CHARACTERS  OF  THOSE  FROM  WHOM  THE  GOSPEL        * 
DOCTRINES  ARE  HID. 


Matt.  xi.  25. 

,H  that  time  Jesus  answered  and  said,  J  IhanJ;  ihee,  O  Father,  Lord  ofherivtu 
and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the  ivise  and  prudent,  and 
hast  revealed  them  unto  babes. 

The  judgments  of  God  are  a  great  deep.  He^  does  not  give 
us  a  full  account  of  his  matters  ;  much  less  can  ice,  by  searching, 
find  out  him  to  perfection  ;  yet  if  we  carefully  attend  to  what  he 
has  revealed,  and  apply  his  written  word  with  humility  and  cau- 
tion to  what  passes  in  ourselves,  and  around  us,  we  may,  by  hi? 
^race,  attain  to  some  considerable  satisfaction  in  things  which,  at 
first  view,  seem  hard  to  be  understood.  The  subject  of  my^ext  is 
of  this  nature.  That  God  should  hide  things  of  everlasting  con- 
sequence from  any  persons,  sounds  very  harsh  :  but  I  hope,  when 
the  words  are  explained,  we  shall  see  that,  though  he  acts  as  a 
sovereign  in  his  dispensations,  his  ways  are  just,  and  good,  and 
equal. 

We  have  already  made  an  entrance  upon  this  attempt.  Besides 
some'general  observations  in  my  first  discourse,  I  endeavoured  to 
show  you,  in  the  second,  1.  What  the  things  are  to  which  our 
Lord  refers  ;  2.  When,  and  in  what  sense,  the}  are  hid.  1  pro- 
ceed now  to  consider, 

III.  From  whom  they  are  hid — the  wise  and  prudent.  It  will, 
I  think,  be  readily  supposed  that  the  expression  does  not  mean 
those  who  are  truly  so,  and  in  God's  account.  He  esteems  none 
to  be  wise  and  prudent  but  those  who  are  enlightened  with  his 
spiritual  wisdom,  who  now  serve  and  love  him  in  Christ.  '  The 
fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  (or,  as  the  word  likewise  signi- 
fies, the  head  or  principal  part)  of  wisdom  ;'*  and  from  such  a? 
these  he  hides  or  keeps  back  nothing  that  is  profitable  for  them  ; 
on  the  contrary,  that  promise  is  sure,  '  The  secret  of  the  Lord  is 
with  them  that  fear  him  :  and  he  will  show  them  his  covenant,'f 
When  our  Lord  said,  '  the  children  of  this  world  are  wiser  in  their 
generation  than   tlie    children  of  light,'|  he  did   not  mean  they 

*  Ps.  c^i.  10.  f  Vs.  XXV.  14.  t  Luke  xvi.  8. 


Ser.  3.]  OF  those  from  whom  the  ht.  t)? 

were  so  absolutely,  for  their  boasted  wisdom  is  the  merest  folly, 
but  only  that  they  acted  consistently  with  their  own  principles. 
The  wise  and  prudent  here  are  either  those  who  are  wise  in  their 
own  eyes,  and  prudent  in  their  own  sight,  or  those  who  are  gene- 
rally so  reputed  by  the  bulk  of  mankind.  And  these  two  amount 
to  the  same  :  for  as  the  natural  wisdom  of  man  springs  from  the 
same  fountain,  self,  and  is  confined  to  the  same  bounds,  the  things 
of  time  and  sense,  in  all  alike,  (though  there  is  a  variety  of  pur- 
suits within  these  limits,  as  tempers  and  situations  differ,)  men  are 
generally  prone  to  approve  and  applaud  those  who  act  upon  their 
own  principles. 

We  may  take  notice,  then,  (as  a  key  to  this  inquiry,)  that 
what  is  accounted  wisdom  by  the  world,  is  not  only  different 
from  the  wisdom  of  God,  but  inconsistent  with  it,  and  opposite 
to  it.  They  differ  as  fire  and  water,  light  and  darkness  ;  the 
prevalence  of  the  one  necessarily  includes  the  suppression  of  the 
other.  See  this  at  large  insisted  on  by  St.  Paul,  in  the  begin- 
ning of  his  first  epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  the  first,  second,  and 
third  chapters. 

Who,  then,  are  the  wise  and  prudent  intended  in  my  text  .'* 
May  fllie  Holy  Spirit  enable  every  conscience  to  make  faithful 
application  of  what  shall  be  offered  upon  this  head. 

1.  In  the  judgment  of  the  world,  those  are  wise  and  prudent 
persons  who  are  very  thoughtful  and  diligent  about  acquiring 
wealth,  especially  if  their  endeavours  are  crowned  with  remarka- 
ble success.  If  a  man  thrives  (as  the  phrase  is)  from  small  be- 
ginnings, and  joins  house  to  house,  and  field  to  field,  so  that  he 
has  land  to  call  after  his  own  name,  and  large  possessions  to  leave 
to  his  children,  how  he  is  applauded  (though,  at  the  same  time, 
envied)  by  the  most  who  know  him  !  I  do  not  deny  that  a  proper 
/concern  and  industry  in  our  secular  calling  is  both  lawful  and  our 
duty  ;  and  I  allow  that  the  providence  of  God  does  sometimes 
remarkably  prosper  those  who  depend  on  him  in  the  management 
of  their  business  ;  but  I  make  no  scruple  to  affirm,  that  where 
this  is  the  main  concern,  (as  some  call  it,)  such  wisdom  is  mad- 
ness. Such  persons  are  no  less  idolaters  than  those  who  worship 
stocks  and  stones.  And  if  the  things  of  God  arc  hid  from  them, 
it  is  surely  their  own  fault ;  they  do  not  even  complain  of  it  as  a 
hardship  ;  they  have  their  choice,  their  reward,  and  are  satisfied. 
They  are  told  that  these  things  are  in  Christ,  and  there  they  are 
content  that  they  should  remain  ;  they  see  no  beauty  or  suitable- 
ness in  them,  they  have  no  desire  after  him ;  he  might  keep  his 
heaven  and  truths  to  himself,  if  they  could  always  have  their  fill 
of  the  world.  They  are  told  that  these  things  are  hid  in  the 
Scripture,  but  thev  have  neither  leisure   nor  inclination  to  search 

Vol.  11.  "  i:i 


98  OP  THOSE  Ffi.011  WHOM  THE  [Scr.    H^ 

there  for  them.  Their  time  is  taken  up  with  buying  and  selling, 
building  and  planting,  he.  Oh,  beware  of  this  wisdom  !  '  What 
will  riches  profit  you  in  the  day  of  wrath,'*  at  death  or  judg- 
ment ?  If  you  live  and  die  in  this  spirit,  you  will  bemoan  your 
choice  when  it  is  too  late. 

2.  Those  are  accounted  wise  and  prudent  who  think  they  have 
found  a  way  to  reconcile  God  and  the  world  together.  If  a  man 
should  attempt  to  fly,  or  to  walk  upon  the  water,  he  would  be 
deemed  a  fool.  How  is  it  that  this  endeavour,  which  is  equally 
impossible,  (and  expressly  declared  so  by  our  Lord,)  should  be 
more  favourably  thought  of?  The  deceitfulness  of  the  heart  and 
subtilty  of  Satan,  concur  in  this  point.  You  will  have  a  sort  ol 
religion,  but  then  you  take  care  not  to  carry  things  too  far.  You 
are  governed  by  the  fear  and  regard  of  men.  Something  you 
will  do  to  satisfy  conscience,  but  not  too  much,  lest  you  hurt 
your  interest,  disoblige  your  friends,  or  draw  on  yourselves  re- 
proach, or  a  hard  name.  I  must  tell  you,  from  the  word  of  God; 
your  attempt  to  halve  things  is  an  abomination  in  his  sight. 
Would  it  not  be  treason  by  the  law,  to  pay  the  king  an  outward 
respect,  and  yet  hold  secret  correspondence  with  his  enemies  1 
The  decisions  of  the  word  of  God  are  to  the  same  eflect  in  this 
instance.  '  Love  not  the  world,  neither  the  things  that  are  in  the 
world.  If  any  man  love  the  world,  the  love  of  the  Father  is  not 
in  him.'f  '  Know  you  not,  that  the  friendship  of  the  world  is 
enmity  with  God  ?  Whosoever,  therefore,  will  be  a  friend  of  the 
world,  is  the  enemy  of  God. 'J 

3.  A  man  is  deemed  wise  who  has  considerable  knowledge  and 
curiosity  about  natural  things,  and  all  those  subjects  which  usual- 
ly bear  the  name  of  science  :  if  he  can  talk  of  the  magnitudes, 
distances,  and  motions  of  the  heavenly  bodies,  can  foretel  an 
eclipse,  has  skill  in  mathematics,  is  well  read  in  the  history  of  an- 
cient times,  and  can  inform  you  what  is  found  in  books  concern- 
ing the  folly  and  wickedness  of  mankind  who  lived  some  thou- 
sands of  years  ago  ;  or  if  he  understands  several  languages,  and 
can  call  a  thing  by  twenty  different  names.  It  is  true,  when  these 
attainments  are  sanctified  by  grace,  they  may  in  some  respects 
have  their  use.  But,  in  general,  the  best  use  a  believer  will  or 
can  make  of  them,  is  to  lay  them  down  at  the  foot  of  the  cross. 
When  a  man  possessed  of  a  large  quantity  of  these  pebbles  ha^? 
his  conscience  awakened,  and  his  understanding  enlightened,  he  is 
glad  to  renounce  them  all  for  the  pearl  of  great  price,  and  to 
adopt  the  aoostle's  determination,  '  to  know  nothing  but  Jesus 
Christ,  and  him  crucified. '||     This  was  the  efl'ect  when  the  word 

*  ProT.  xi.  14.        1 1  John  ii.  15,        r  James  iv,  1.        ||  1  Cor.  ii.  2. 


Ser.  3.]  GOSPEL  doctrines  are  hid.  00 

of  God  mightily  grew  and  prevailed.*  We  may  at  least  say,  that 
this  kind  of  wisdom  is,  tor  the  most  part,  dangerous  and  blinding 
to  the  soul. 

1st.  It  tends  to  feed  and  exalt  self,  to  make  a  person  some- 
thing in  his  own  eyes.  This  we  are  prone  enough  to  by  nature. 
An  increase  of  unsanctified  knowledge  adds  fuel  to  fire. 

2dly.  It  engrosses  the  time  and  thoughts.  Our  minds  are  nar- 
row, capable  of  attending  to  but  few  things  at  once  :  and  our 
sp:\n  is  short,  and  will  hardly  admit  of  many  excursions  from  the 
main  concern.  If  we  were  to  live  to  the  age  of  Methuselah,  we 
might  pursue  some  things  which  at  present  are  highly  improper 
and  impertinent  from  this  consideration  alone.  A  man  that  is  up- 
on an  urgent  affair  of  life  and  death,  has  no  leisure  for  amuse- 
ment. Such  is  our  situation.  We  are  creatures  of  a  day.  Time 
is  vanishing,  and  eternity  is  at  stake. 

3dly.  The  delusion  here  is  specious,  and  not  easily  discovered. 
A  person  with  these  accomplishments  is  not  always  enslaved  to 
money,  or  to  sensual  pleasures  :  he  therefore  pities  those  who  are. 
and,  comparing  himself  with  others,  supposes  he  is  well  employ- 
ed, because  his  favourite  studies  are  a  check  upon  his  appetites, 
and  prevent  his  selling  himself  for  gold,  or  running  into  riot  with 
the  thoughtless.  Yet  an  attachment  of  this  sort  equally  blinds 
him  with  respect  to  his  true  interest.  Will  the  knowledge  of 
books,  or  men,  or  stars,  or  flowers,  purify  the  conscience  from 
dead  works,  to  serve  the  living  God  ?  It  is  too  plain,  that  the 
truths  of  the  Gospel  are  hid  from  none  more  effectually  than  from 
many  of  this  character.  None  cast  a  more  daring  or  public 
slight  upon  the  revealed  will  of  God,  than  some  who  are  admired 
and  applauded  on  account  of  their  knowledge  and  learning. 

4thly.  Your  nice  and  curious  reasoners  and  disputers,  that  will 
see  (as  they  profess)  the  bottom  of  every  thing,  and  trust  to  their 
own  judgment  and  inquiries,  independent  of  the  Spirit  of  God, 
are  another  sort  of  wise  persons  fi'om  whom  these  things  are  of- 
ten justly  hid.  And  this  character  may  be  found  in  many,  both 
learned  and  unlearned  :  for  many  have  good  natural  faculties, 
who  have  not  had  the  advantages  of  learning  and  education. 
But  this  spirit  is  directly  contrary  to  tiiat  simplicity,  dependence, 
and  obedience  of  faith,  which  the  Scripture  exhorts  us  to  seek  af- 
ter.    Its  effects  are  various. 

1st.  Some  (and  those  not  a  few)  are  led  to  reject  the  word  of 
God  altogether,  because  it  evidently  contains  many  things  above 
and  contrary  to  their  vain  imaginations.  And  herein  they  con- 
tradict the  most  obvious  principles  of  that  reason  which  they 

*  Acts  xix.  19. 


tJ  -C  0  1  o  b 


100  OF  THOSE  FROM  WHOM  THi:  [ScF.    3. 

lay  claim  to.  A  revelation  iVoin  Goii  can  only  be  thought 
necessary  or  probable,  but  on  the  supposition  that  it  is  to  in- 
form us  of  something  which  we  could  not  have  known  without 
it.  Therefore,  to  pretend  to  try  the  Scripture  claim  to  this 
character  by  such  criteria  or  marks  as  wc  possess  beforehand, 
is  the  same  thing,  in  ellect,  as  to  determine  to  reject  it  with- 
out any  trial  at  all. 

2dly.  When  the  Scriptures,  as  to  the  letter,  are  acknowledg- 
ed to  be  true,  persons  of  this  turn,  presuming  themselves  suffi- 
cient judges  of  the  sense,  are  helped  by  their  ingenuity  to  ex- 
plain away  all  the  sublime  doctrines  of  truths,  so  as  to  suit  the 
prejudices  and  apprehensions  of  their  own  carnal  minds.  This, 
especially  when  joined  with  a  smattering  of  learning,  has  been 
the  chief  source  of  all  the  errors  and  heresies  which  have  pes- 
tered the  church  of  God  in  all  ages.  This  is  a  principal  cause 
why  the  depravity  of  man  by  nature,  the  deity  and  atonement 
of  Christ,  the  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  all  the  doc- 
trines of  grace,  have  been  denied  by  men  wise  in  their  own  eyes, 
and  prudent  in  their  own  sight,  though  evidently  contained  in 
the  book  which  they  profess  to  receive  as  of  divine  inspiration. 

3dly.  Even  where  the  doctrines  of  grace  have  been  notional- 
\y  received,  the  same  spirit  of  wisdom  can  still  find  occasion  to 
work.  When  there  is  more  knowledge  in  the  head  than  expe- 
rience in  the  heart,  many  and  various  are  the  evils  that  often  en- 
sue. Disputes  and  hard  questions  are  started,  contentions  and 
divisions  multiplied,  and  people  are  more  eager  to  perplex  oth- 
ers than  to  edify  themselves.  Thus  the  name  and  counsels  of 
God  are  profaned  by  an  irreverent  curiosity;  and  the  clear,  ex- 
press declarations  of  his  will  darkened  by  words  without  know- 
ledge. When  this  natural  vtisdom  puts  on  a  spiritual  appear- 
ance, no  persons  are  more  fatally  deceived,  or  more  obstinately 
hardened.  They  think  they  can  learn  no  more,  but  are  wise 
enougl)  to  teach  every  one  :  they  neglect  the  use  of  God's  ap- 
pointed means  themselves,  and  despise  them  in  others :  they  arc 
proud,  censorious,  obstinate,  and  full  of  deceit.  Take  care  of 
Satan  at  all  times,  but  especially  when  he  would  transform  him- 
self into  an  angel  of  light.  There  is  reason  to  think  the  things 
of  God  are  entirely  hid,  as  to  their  power  and  excellence,  from 
some  who  fondly  dream  that  none  are  acquainted  with  them  but 
themselves. 

The  consideration  of  this  subject  ma}'  lead  to  a  variety  of  im- 
provement.    It  may  teach  you, 

1.  What  to  fear.  A  worldly  spirit.  This,  in  a  prevailing  de- 
gree, is  inconsistent  with  a  word  of  grace,  and,  in  w  hatever  degree 
it  obtains,  or  is  indulged,  will  proportionably  retard  and  abate  the 


Ser.  3.]  GOSPEL  doctHines  are  hid.  iOl 

light  and  comfort  of  our  souls.  The  cares  and  pleasures  of  this 
life  are,  by  our  Lord,  compared  to  thorns,*  unprofitable  and  pain- 
ful ;  they  produce  no  fruit,  but  they  wound  and  tear.  Yea,  they 
are  thorns  in  the  eyes,-}-  which  will  prevent  the  great  things  of  God 
from  being  perceived. 

A  spirit  of  self  dependence.  '  Be  not  wise  in  your  own  con- 
ceits.'J  '  If  any  man  think  that  he  knoweth  any  thing,  he  know- 
eth  nothing  yet  as  he  ought  to  know.'§  God  giveth  wisdom  to 
the  lowly,  but  he  confounds  the  devices  of  the  proud.  His  pro- 
mises of  teaching,  leading,  and  guiding,  are  made  to  the  meek, 
the  simple,  and  those  who  are  little  in  their  own  eyes. 

2.  What  to  pray  for.  A  simple  child-like  temper  ;  that  you 
may  come  to  the  word  as  to  the  light,  and  look  beyond  yourselves 
for  the  assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  without  which  your  most 
laboured  inquiries  will  only  mislead  you  further  and  furtlier  from 
the  truth. 

3.  How  to  examine  yourselves.  Not  by  your  notions  and  at- 
tainments in  knowledge,  for  these  you  may  have  in  a  considerable 
degree,  and  be  wholly  destitute  of  true  grace.  The  word  of 
God  supposes  it  possible  that  persons  may  have  great  gifts,  |J 
flaming  zeal,  and  much  success  ;  and  yet,  having  no  true  love 
to  God,  be,  in  his  sight,  no  better  than  sounding  brass,  or  a 
tinkling  cymbal.  But  if  you  would  know  your  state,  examine 
by  your  prevailing  desires.  Are  your  notions  of  grace  elfectual 
to  lead  you  in  the  path  of  duty  f  Do  you  hunger  and  thirst 
for  an  increase  of  holiness  ?  Does  the  knowledge  you  have 
of  Christ  lead  you  to  love  and  trust  him  ?  Are  you  poor  in 
spirit  .''     You  know  nothing  aright,  if  you  know  not  yourselves. 

4.  Ye  that  are  believers  may  see  cause  to  praise  the  Lord  for 
his  dispensations  to  you. 

1st.  Had  you  been  wise  in  men's  esteem,  you  might  have 
continued  fools  to  the  end  of  your  lives.  If  the  Lord  has 
taught  you  the  secret  of  them  that  fear  him,  if  he  has  shown 
you  the  way  of  salvation,  if  he  has  directed  your  feet  in  the 
paths  of  his  commandments,  then  you  have  the  true  wisdom 
which  shall  be  your  light  througli  life,  and  in  death  your  glory. 
Therefore, 

2dly.  Be  not  grieved  that  ye  are  strangers  to  human  wisdom 
and  glory.  These  things,  which  others  so  highly  prize,  you  may 
resign  contentedly,  and  say, '  Lord,  it  is  enough  if  thou  art  mine.' 
Nay,  you  have  good   reason  to  praise  his  wisdom  and  goodness 

*  Matt.  xiii.  22.  +  Josh,  xxiii.  13.  \  Rom.  xii.  1j8. 

.1^  1  Cor.  viii.  2.  \\  i  Cor.  xiii.  I—,'?. 


102  NATURE    OF    SPIRITUAL    REVELATION,  [Scr.    4. 

for  preserving  you  from  those  temptations  which  have  ensnared 
and  endangered  so  many. 

3d!y.  Do  you  desire  more  of  this  true  wisdom  ?  Seek  it  in  the 
same  way  in  which  you  have  received  the  first  beginnings.  Be  fre- 
quent and  earnest  in  secret  prayer.  Study  the  word  of  God,  and 
study  it  not  to  reconcile  and  make  it  bend  to  your  sentiments, 
but  to  draw  all  your  sentiments  from  it,  to  copy  it  in  your  heart, 
and  express  it  in  your  conduct.  Be  cautious  of  paying  too  great 
a  regard  to  persons  and  parties.  One  is  your  master,  even  Christ. 
Stand  fast  in  the  liberty  with  which  he  has  made  you  free  ;  and, 
while  you  humbly  endeavour  to  profit  by  all,  do  not  resign  your 
understanding  to  any  but  to  him  who  is  the  only  wise  God,  the 
only  efiectual  and  infallible  teacher.  Compare  the  experience  of 
what  passes  within  your  own  breast,  with  the  observations  you 
make  of  what  daily  occurs  around  you  ;  and  bring  all  your  re- 
marks and  experiences  to  the  touchstone  of  God's  holy  word. 
Thus  shall  you  grow  in  knowledge  and  in  grace  ;  and,  amidst  the 
various  discouragements  which  may  arise  from  remaining  igno- 
rance in  yourselves  or  others,  take  comfort  in  reflecting  that  you 
are  drawing  near  to  the  land  of  light,  where  there  will  be  no  dark- 
ness at  all.  Then  you  shall  know  as  you  are  known  ;  your  love 
and  your  joy  shall  likewise  be  perfect,  and  you  shall  be  satisfied 
with  the  rivers  of  pleasure  which  are  before  the  throne  of  God^, 
world  without  end. 


SERMON  IV. 


THE  NATURE  OF  SPIRITUAL  REVELATION,  AND  WHO  ARii 
FAVOURED  WITH  IT. 


Matt.  xi.  25. 

^11  that  time  Jesvs  ansivtred  and  said,  I  thank  Ihee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven 
and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and 
hast  revealed  themunto  babes. 

We  proceed  now  to  the  more  pleasing  part  of  our  subject. 
The  great  things  of  the  Gospel,  though  hid,  are  not  lost :  not 
hid  as  in  the  bottom  of  the  sea ;  but  he  who  hides  them  from 
the  wise  and  prudent  is  ready  and  willing  to  make  them  known 
to  every  sincere  inquirer.  This  discovery,  on  the  Lord's  part, 
is  a   revelation,  and  the    character    of   those  who   obtain  it  is 


Ser.  4.]  AND  WHO  are  favoured  with  it.  103 

expressed  by  the  word  hahes.  Of  the  five  particulars  I  pro- 
posed to  consider  from  the  text,  these  two  yet  remain  to  be 
spoken  to. 

IV.  The  saving  knowledge  of  divine  truth  is  a  revelation. 
Our  Lord  uses  a  parallel  expression,  when  he  commends  Peter's 
confession  of  his  faith  ;  '  Blessed  art  thou,  Simon  Barjona  :  for 
flesh  and  blood  hath  not  revealed  this  unto  thee,  but  my  Father 
which  is  in  heaven.'*  Peter  had  Moses  and  the  prophets,  so  had 
the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  ;  and  after  their  manner  they  were  dil- 
igent in  reading  and  searching  them.  But  that  he  could  ac- 
knowledge Jesus  to  be  Messiah,  when  they  rejected  him,  was 
because  the  Father  had  revealed  his  truth  to  him,  and  given  him 
a  clearer  knowledge  of  it  than  he  could  have  received  from  the 
written  word  alone.  But  it  may  be  proper  to  inquire  into  the 
meaning  of  this  term.  What  are  we  here  to  understand  by 
revelation  .'' 

Sometimes  revelation  is  used  in  an  extraordinary  sense,  as 
when  of  old  the  Lord  made  known  to  his  servants,  the  pro- 
phets, those  doctrines  and  events  which,  till  then,  were  neither 
heard  nor  thought  of.  Of  this  we  are  not  now  to  speak,  but 
of  that  which  is  common  to  all  believers,  and  necessary  to  sal- 
vation. 

Now  this  revelation  supposes  the  things  to  be  revealed  were 
real  and  certain  before,  but  unknown,  and  not  to  be  found  out  in 
any  other  way. 

Revelation  is  not  the  creation  or  invention  of  something  new^ 
but  the  manifestation  of  what  was  till  then  unknown.  The  great 
things  of  eternity,  the  glorious  truths  of  the  Gospel,  are  real  and 
certain  in  themselves  already,  and  do  not  begin  to  be  when  we 
begin  to  be  acquainted  with  them  :  yet,  till  God  is  pleased  to  re- 
veal them  to  the  heart,  we  have  no  more  spiritual  and  eli'ectivft 
knowledge  of  them  than  if  they  were  not.  Ignorance  of  things 
very  near  to  us,  and  in  which  we  are  nearly  concerned,  may  be 
from  two  causes. 

\.  From  a  want  of  light.  Nothing  can  be  perceived  in  the 
dark.  If  you  are  in  a  dark  room,  though  it  is  richly  adorned 
and  furnished,  all  is  lost  to  you.  If  you  stand,  in  a  dark  night, 
upon  the  top  of  a  hill  that  commands  a  fine  prospect,  still  you 
are  able  to  see  no  more  than  if  you  was  in  a  valley.  Though 
you  were  in  a  dangerous  place,  with  pitfalls,  and  precipices,  and 
thieves,  and  murderers  all  around  you,  still  you  might  imagine 
yourself  in  safety,  if  you  had  no  light  with  you* 

"^  Man.  xvi.  17, 


104  NATURE    OF    SPIRITUAL    REVELATION,  [Scr     4. 

2.  It  may  be  from  some  hindrance  or  obstruction  between  you 
and  the  object.  Thus  your  dearest  friend^  or  greatest  enemy, 
might  be  within  a  few  yards  of  you,  and  you  know  nothing  of  it, 
if  there  was  a  wall  between  you. 

These  comparisons  may,  in  some  measure,  represent  our  case 
by  nature.  God  is  near:  '  in  him  we  live,  move,  and  have  our 
being.'  Eternity  is  near;  we  stand  upon  the  brink  of  it.  Death 
is  near,  advancing  towards  us  with  hasty  strides.  The  truths  of 
God's  word  are  most  certain  in  themselves,  and  of  the  utmost 
consequence  to  us.  But  we  perceive  none  of  these  things ;  we 
are  not  affected  by  them,  because  our  understandings  are  dark, 
and  because  thick  walls  of  ignorance,  prejudice,  and  unbelief, 
stand  before  the  eyes  of  the  mind,  and  keep  them  from  our  view. 
Even  those  notions  of  truth  which  we  sometimes  pick  up  by  hear- 
ing and  reading,  are  but  like  windows  in  a  dark  room  ;  they  are 
suited  to  aflbrd  an  entrance  to  the  light  when  it  comes,  but  can 
give  no  light  of  themselves. 

I  think,  therefore,  we  may  conclude  that  God's  revealing  these 
things  to  us  only  signifies  his  eflecting  such  a  change  in  us,  by  his 
Holy  Spirit,  as  disposes  and  enables  us  to  behold  them.  He 
sends  a  divine  light  into  the  soul ;  and  things  begin  to  appear  so 
plain,  we  wonder  at  our  former  stupidity  that  we  could  not  per- 
ceive them  before.  By  the  power  of  his  Spirit  he  breaks  down 
the  walls  which  prevented  and  confined  our  views ;  and  a  new 
unthought-of  prospect  suddenly  appears  before  us.  Then  the 
soul  sees  its  danger  :  '  I  thought  myself  secure  ;  but  I  find  I  am 
in  the  midst  of  enemies.  Guilt  pursues  me  behind,  fear,  and  the 
snare,  and  the  pit,  are  before  me  ;  which  way  shall  I  turn  f'  Then 
it  perceives  its  mistake  :  'While  my  views  were  confined,  I  thought 
there  was  nothing  but  this  span  of  life  to  take  care  of;  but  now 
I  see  a  boundless  eternity  beyond  it.'  It  obtains  a  glimpse,  like- 
wise, of  the  glories  of  the  better  world,  of  the  beauties  of  holi- 
ness, of  the  excellency  of  Jesus.  This  light  is  at  first  faint  and 
imperfect,  but  grows  stronger  bj-  the  use  of  appointed  means  : 
and  as  it  is  increased,  every  thing  appears  with  a  stronger  evi- 
dence. 

We  may  more  particularly  illustrate  this  work  of  the  Hoh 
Spirit,  as  it  influences  those  leading  faculties  of  the  soul,  the  un- 
derstanding, affections,  and  will.  By  nature  tlie  will  is  perverse 
and  rebellious,  and  the  allections  alienated  from  God  :  the  prima- 
ry cause  of  these  disorders  lies  in  the  darkness  of  tiie  understand- 
ing. Here,  then,  the  change  begins.  The  Spirit  of  God  enlight- 
ens the  understanding,  by  which  the  sinner  perceives  things  to  be 
as  they  are  represented  in  the  word  of  God  ;  that  he  is  a  trans- 
gressor against  the  divine  law,  and  on  this  account  obnoxious  to 


i 


Ser.  4.]  AND  WHO  are  favoitrei)  with  it,  105 

wrath  :  that  he  is  not  only  guilty,  but  depraved  and  unclean,  and 
utterly  unable  either  to  repair  past  evil  or  to  amend  his  own  heart 
and  life.  He  sees  that  the  great  God  might  justly  refuse  him 
mercy ;  and  that  he  has  no  plea  to  offer  in  arrest  of  judgment. 
This  discovery  would  sink  him  into  despair,  if  it  went  no  further; 
but  by  the  same  light  which  discovers  hira  to  himself,  he  begins 
to  see  a  suitableness,  wisdom,  and  glory,  in  the  method  of  salva- 
tion revealed  in  the  Gospel.  He  reads  and  hears  concerning  the 
jjerson,  sufferings,  and  offices  of  Christ,  in  a  very  difierent  man- 
ner to  what  he  did  before  ;  and  as,  by  attending  to  the  word  and 
ministry,  his  apprehensions  of  Jesus,  and  his  understanding,  be- 
come more  clear  and  distinct,  a  spiritual  hope  lakes  place,  and 
increases  in  his  soul ;  and  the  sure  efl'ect  of  this  is,  he  feels  his 
love  drawn  forth  to  Him  who  so  loved  him  as  to  die  for  his  sins. 
Beholding,  by  faith,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  bleeding  and  dying 
upon  the  cross  ;  and  knowing  for  whom,  and  on  what  account 
he  suffered,  he  learns  to  hate,  with  a  bitter  hatred,  those  sins 
whicii  nailed  him  there.  The  amazing  love  of  Christ  constrains 
him  to  account  all  things  which  he  formerly  valued  as  dross  and 
dung,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  his  Saviour.  Nor 
does  his  faith  stop  here ;  he  views  Him  who  once  suffered  and 
died,  rising  triumphatit  from  the  tomb,  and  ascending  into  heaven 
in  the  character  of  the  representative,  friend,  and  forerunner  of 
his  people.  Having  such  a  High  Priest,  he  is  encouraged  to 
draw  near  to  God,  to  claim  an  interest  in  the  promises  respecting 
the  life  that  now  is,  and  that  which  is  to  come.  Thus  possessing, 
in  the  beginnings  of  grace,  an  earnest  of  the  glory  that  shall  be 
revealed  ;  a  real,  universal,  abiding  change  necessarily  takes 
place  in  the  affections.  Now  old  things  are  passed  away,  and  all 
things  become  new  :  the  soul  no  longer  cleaves  willingly  to  the 
dust,  or  can  be  satisfied  with  earthly  things,  but  thirsts  for  com- 
munion with  God,  and  an  increase  of  holiness.  Sin  is  no  longer 
consented  to,  or  delighted  in,  but  is  opposed  and  watched  against; 
and  every  unallowed  deviation  from  the  will  of  -God  excites  the 
sincerest  grief  and  humiliation,  and  leads  to  renewed  application 
to  the  blood  and  grace  of  Jesus  for  pardon  and  strength.  Thus 
the  will  likewise  is  brought  into  an  unreserved  subjection  and  sur- 
render to  the  power  of  Christ,  and  acts  as  freely  in  his  service  as^ 
it  once  did  against  him.  For  that  what  is  termed  the.  freedom  of 
ihe  human  will  should  consist  in  a  suspended  indifference  between 
good  and  evil,  is  a  refinement,  which,  however  admired  and  ap- 
plauded by  many,  is  equally  contrary  both  to  sound  reasoning 
and  to  universal  experience.  The  will,  in  all  persons  and  cases, 
is  determined  by  the  present  dictates  of  the  understanding,  and 
the  bent  of  the  affections. 

Vol.  n.  i4 


106  UATURE    OV    SPIRITUAL    REVELATION,  [Sci'.  4. 

By  ascribing  so  much  to  the  Spirit  of  God,  I  do  not  mean,  as 
you  may  perceive,  by  what  1  have  just  now  said,  to  sechide  his 
holy  word  or  preached  Gospel.  All  these  truths  and  prospects 
are  already  contained  in  the  word  of  God  ;  but  without  the  light 
of  the  Spirit  they  are  not  discerned.  They  are  propounded  to 
you  in  the  public  ministry.  We  testify  again  and  again,  the 
thmgs  which  we  have  seen  and  heard  of  the  word  of  life  ;  and 
when  we  are  in  some  measure  affected  with  their  evidence,  we  are 
ready  to  wonder  how  any  of  you  can  possibly  avoid  perceiving 
them,  till  we  remember  how  it  was  with  ourselves,  and  then  we 
know,  by  our  own  experience,  that  we  must  preach  and  you  hear 
in  vain,  unless  the  Lord  is  pleased  to  open  you  hearts.  But 
observe, 

1.  The  Spirit  of  God  teaches  and  enlightens  by  his  word  as 
the  instrument.  There  is  no  revelation  from  him,  but  what  is  (as 
to  our  perception  of  it)  derived  from  the  Scripture.  There  may 
be  supposed  illuminations,  and  strong  impressions  upon  the  mind, 
in  which  the  word  of  God  has  no  place  or  concern  ;  but  this 
alone  is  sufficient  to  discountenance  them,  and  to  prove  that  they 
are  not  from  the  Holy  Spirit.     For, 

2.  The  Scripture  is  the  appointed  rule  and  test  by  which  all 
our  searches  and  discoveries,  all  our  acquisitions  in  religious 
knowledge,  must  be  tried.  If  they  are  indeed  from  God,  they 
will  stand  this  trial,  and  answer  to  the  word,  as  face  answereth 
to  face  in  a  glass,  but  not  otherwise.  '  To  the  law  and  to  the 
testimony,  if  they  speak  not  according  to  this  word,  it  is  because 
there  is  no  light  in  them.'*  If  those  who  despise  all  claims  to  the 
influence  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  as  enthusiasm,  had  not  been  fre- 
quently informed  that  we  expect,  we  acknowledge,  no  internal 
revelation,  but  by  the  medium  of  the  word  of  God,  and  agreea- 
ble to  it,  they  would  be  less  inexcusable  in  repeating  the  charges 
of  folly  and  infatuation  which  they  ignorantly  fix  upon  the  work 
of  the  Spirit,  and  all  who  profess  a  dependence  on  it.  To 
those  who  are,  indeed,  candid  and  sincere  inquirers  after  truth, 
what  has  been  said  upon  this  part  of  our  subject  will,  I  hope, 
suggest  the  propriety  of  two  directions.     From  hence  learn, 

1.  To  set  a  high  value  upon  the  word  of  God.  All  that  is 
necessary  to  make  you  wise  to  salvation  is  there,  and  there  onl}'. 
In  this  precious  book  you  may  find  a  direction  for  every  doubt, 
a  solution  of  every  difficulty,  a  promise  suited  to  every  circum- 
stance you  can  be  in.  There  you  may  be  informed  of  your  dis- 
ease by  sin,  and  the  remedy  provided  by  grace.  You  may  be 
ittstructed  to  know  yourselves,  to  know  God  and  Jesus  Christ,  in 

'*'  Isa.  viii.  20. 


Ser.  4.]  AND  v?Ho  are  Favoubeb  with  it.  107 

the  knowledge  of  whom  standeth  eternal  life.  The  wonders  of 
redeeming  love,  the  glories  of  the  Redeemer's  person,  the  happi- 
ness of  the  redeemed  people,  the  power  of  faith,  and  the  beauty 
of  holiness,  are  here  represented  to  the  life.  Nothing  is  wanting 
to  make  life  useful  and  comfortable,  death  safe  and  desirable,  and 
to  bring  down  something  of  heaven  upon  earth.  But  this  true 
wisdom  can  be  found  no  where  else.  If  you  wander  from  the 
Scripture,  in  pursuit  either  of  present  peace  or  future  hope,  your 
search  will  end  in  disappointment.  This  is  the  fountain  of  living 
waters  :  if  you  forsake  it,  and  give  the  preference  to  broken  cis- 
terns of  your  own  devising,  they  will  fail  you  when  you  most 
need  them.  Rejoice,  therefore,  that  such  a  treasure  is  put  into 
your  hand  ;  but  rejoice  with  trembling.  Remember  this  is  not  all 
you  want ;  unless  God  likewise  gives  you  a  heart  to  use  it  aright, 
your  privilege  will  only  aggravate  your  guilt  and  misery.  There- 
fore remember, 

2.  The  necessity  of  prayer.  For  though  the  things  of  nearest 
consequence  to  you  are  in  the  Bible,  and  you  should  read  it  ovei* 
and  over,  till  you  commit  the  whole  book  to  your  memory  ;  yet 
you  will  not  understand  or  discern  the  truth,  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  un- 
less the  Lord  the  Spirit  shows  it  to  you.  The  dispensation  of 
truth  is  in  his  hand  ;  and  without  him  all  the  fancied  advantages 
of  superior  capacity,  learning,  criticism,  and  books,  will  prove  as 
useless  as  spectacles  to  the  blind.  The  great  encouragement  is, 
that  this  infallible  Spirit,  so  necessary  to  guide  us  into  the  way  of 
peace,  is  promised  to  all  who  sincerely  ask  it.  This  Spirit  Jesus 
is  exalted  to  bestow;  and  he  has  said,  'Whosoever  cometh  to  me, 
I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out.'  Therefore  water  your  reading  with 
frequent  prayer.     We  proceed  to, 

V.  The  characters  of  those  persons  who  succeed  in  their  inqui- 
ries, and  have  the  things  of  God  savingly  revealed  to  them ;  they 
are  called  babes. 

1.  They  are,  for  the  most  part,  babes  in  the  world's  esteem. 
They  are  despised  by  the  wise  and  prudent  for  their  weak  capa- 
cities, small  attainments,  and  their  seeming  insignificance  in  com- 
mon life.  But  the  Lord  does  not  overlook  any  on  these  accounts. 
He  is  no  respecter  of  persons.  In  the  blessings  of  his  common 
providence,  those  which  are  more  immediately  from  his  own  hand, 
such  as  air  and  light,  health  and  strength,  the  faculties  of  sight  and 
hearing,  &tc.  he  bestows  as  freely,  and  in  as  great  perfection,  to 
the  poor  as  to  the  rich,  to  the  ignorant  as  to  the  learned.  And 
thus  it  is  with  respect  to  his  grace.  Our  incapacity  is  founded  in 
our  nature,  and  is  common  to  all,  and  not  in  any  particular  cir- 
cumstances. He  is  as  ready  to  save  the  mean  as  the  noble. 
Many  of  the  great  and  wise  are  oft'ended  at  this.     As  they  en- 


108  NATURE    OF    SPIRITUAL    REVELATIOK,  [Ser.    4* 

gross  the  earth,  they  would  willingly  engross  heaven  also  to 
themselves.  But  the  Lord  has  appointed  otherwise  ;  and  it 
lias  been  one  reproach  constantly  attending  the  Gospel,  that 
few  but  the  common  people  have  thought  it  worth  their  notice.* 

2.  They  are  babes  in  their  own  esteem.  Not  that  some  are 
more  humble  than  others  by  nature,  and  therefore  the  Lord 
gives  them  a  preference  on  that  account  ;  by  nature  we  are  all 
alike,  equally  destitute  of  the  smallest  good  :  but  the  expre:;sion 
teaches  us,  that  those  to  whom  the  Lord  is  pleased  to  reveal  these 
things,  he  first  empties  and  humbles,  strips  them  of  all  ground  of 
boasting,  and  brings  them  to  a  dependence  on  himself.  The  true 
believer  is  frequently  compared  to  a  little  child  ;  and  it  is  easy  to 
trace  an  instructive  resemblance. 

1st.  A  child,  or  babe,  has  little  knowledge,  and  Its  capacity 
and  powers  are  as  yet  very  feeble.  All  whose  understandings 
have  been  spiritually  enlightened  will  acknowledge  themselves 
children  in  this  respect.  The  little  they  know  convinces  them  of 
their  ignorance.  They  are  convinced  that  their  views  of  things 
are  faint,  partial,  confused  ;  that  their  judgments  are  weak  ;  that, 
if  the  Lord  prevents  it  not,  they  are  very  liable  to  be  imposed  on 
by  the  subtilty  of  Satan,  and  the  treachery  of  their  own  hearts. 
They  feel  that  they  have  not,  in  themselves,  sufficiency  to  tiiiuk  a 
good  thought. 

2dly.  A  child  is  teachable.  Conscious  of  their  own  ignorance, 
they  listen  to  all  about  them,  and  think  every  one  is  qualified  to 
teach  them  something.  Among  men  none  are  truly  teachable 
but  those  who  know  they  need  to  be  taught.  The  natural  man, 
if  possessed  of  any  advantages,  thinks  every  one  needs  his  help. 
The  humble  Christian  gives  this  proof,  that  the  confession  he  is 
ready  to  make  of  his  ignorance  is  genuine,  and^  from  his  heart, 
that  he  is  desirous  to  learn  from  all.  He  is  swift  to  hear,  slow  to 
speak,  and  open  to  conviction.  Though  he  will  not  assent  to  ev- 
ery thing  he  hears,  without  proof  or  examination,  yet  he  is  dispo- 
sed to  receive  instruction,  and  thankful  to  those  by  whom  he  is 
profited.  He  is  fearful  of  being  mistaken,  of  giving  way  to  pre- 
judices, and  therefore  gladly  improves  every  means  of  informa- 
tion. 

3dly.  A  child  is  simple  and  dependent.  He  does  not  reason, 
but  implicitly  receives  what  he  is  told  by  his  parents,  or  those 
whom  he  thinks  wiser  than  himself  Such  a  resignation,  indeed, 
the  believer  dares  not  make  of  his  understanding  to  anv  men, 
however  highly  he  may  esteem  them  in  the  main  :  for  he  has 
learned,  from  the  word  of  God,  not  to  put  his  trust  in  man ;  but 

*Maik  xii.  37,  John  vii.  48,  49, 


Ser.    4.]  AND  WHO  ARE  FAVOURED  WITH  IT.  lOl*) 

this  is  the  desire  of  the  renewed  heart,  with  respect  to  the  teach- 
ing of  God's  word  and  Spirit.  He  allows  no  reasoning  or  ques- 
tioning here  ;  nor  will  he  say,  with  Nicodemus,  '  How  can  these 
things  be  f"  It  is  enough  for  him  that  God  has  said  it,  and  is 
able  to  make  it  good.  This  is  a  happy  temper.  In  this  way  in- 
numerable difficulties  that  arise  from  appearances  and  sophisms, 
are  avoided  ;  and  the  mind,  by  faith,  steers  in  safety  across  the 
immense  ocean  of  conjectures  and  opinions,  which  disputants  and 
reasoners  essaying  to  do,  are  sunk  and  overpowered.  It  is  true, 
there  are  various  degrees  of  this  simplicity;  and  in  those  who 
possess  it  in  a  larger  measure,  there  is  a  remaining  principle  of 
pride  and  unbelief,  which  costs  them  much  prayer  and  many  con- 
flicts to  subdue.  But  this,  in  some  degree,  is  essential  to  the 
character  of  those  who  are  taught  of  God  ;  they  desire  and  en- 
deavour to  submit  wholly  to  his  guidance  and  will  in  all  things. 

Here,  then,  is  a  proper  topic  for  self-examination.  Let  each 
one  ask  his  heart,  Have  I  this  simple,  child-like  disposition  ? 

If  you  have,  if  it  is  the  desire  of  your  soul  to  be  taught  of  God, 
if  his  word  is  30ur  rule,  if  30U  depend  on  his  Spirit  to  teach  you 
all  things,  and  to  lead  you  as  it  were  by  the  hand,  sensible  that, 
unless  you  are  thus  led  and  guided,  you  shall  certainly  go  astray  ; 
be  thankful  for  this,  accept  it  as  a  token  for  good.  You  were  not 
always  so  ;  there  was  a  time  when  you  were  wise  in  your  own 
eyes,  and  prudent  in  your  own  sight.  You  have  good  warrant  to 
hope  that  the  Lord,  who  has  already  taught  you  to  depend  on 
himself,  will  show  you  all  that  is  necessary  for  you  to  know. 

But  if  this  is  not  the  case,  if  you  lean  to  your  own  understand- 
ing, what  wonder  is  it  that  you  are  still  walking  in  darkness  and 
uncertainty  ?  Will  you  say,  I  have  read  the  Bible  diligently  ;  I 
have  taken  no  small  pains  to  examine  things,  to  see  which  of  the 
many  divisions  that  obtain  among  Christians  is  possessed  of  the 
truth  ;  but  I  am  still  at  a  loss  :  surely,  if  the  tenets  some  plead 
for  had  been  in  the  Scripture,  I  should  have  found  them  there  I 
I  answer,  without  detracting  from  your  sagacity  or  your  sincerity, 
your  case  is  easily  accounted  for  from  the  verse  we  are  upon,  if 
your  inquiries  are  not  conducted  in  a  humble  dependence  upon 
the  Spirit  of  God.  Too  many  instances  we  could  produce  of 
men,  who  having  laboured  for  years  in  what  seems  one  of  the 
most  laudable  undertakings,  the  explaining  the  Scriptures  for  the 
use  of  otiiers,  have  at  last  been  in  a  remarkable  degree  unsettled 
themselves  ;  and  the  only  visible  fruits  their  reading  and  indus- 
try has  afforded,  have  been  error,  invective,  and  dissatisfaction  : 
so  that  their  labours  have  been  an  exemplification  of  the  former 
part  of  our  text ;  a  proof  in  point,  how  entirely  the  things  of  God 
are  often  hid  from  the  wise  aud  prudeqt. 


^iQ  SOVEREIGNTY  OV  DIVINE  GRACE  [Scr.    5. 

*  You  that  are  seeking  the  Lord,  and  are  little  in  your  own  eyes, 
rejoice  that  the  dispensation  of  grace  is  in  his  hands.  If  men  had 
the  disposal  of  it,  you  might  perhaps  have  been  overlooked. 
We  should  have  been  ready  to  have  accepted  the  fair-spoken 
young  man,  who  accosted  our  Lord  with  so  much  outward  re- 
spect, and  had  so  much  to  say  in  his  own  behalf:*  and  proba- 
bly we  should  have  left  the  thief  upon  the  cross  to  perish  like  a 
wretch,  as  he  deserved.  '  But  the  Lord  seeth  not  as  man  seeth.'f 
'  His  ways  are  higher  than  our  ways,  and  his  thoughts  than  our 
thoughts.'!  Therefore  there  is  encouragement  for  the  meanest 
and  the  vilest.  He  has  excluded  none  but  those  who  exclude 
themselves.  '  Behold,  now  is  the  accepted  time  ;  behold,  now  is 
the  day  of  salvation.  Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  ways,  and  the 
unrighteous  man  his  thoughts,  and  let  him  return  unto  the  Lord, 
for  he  will  have  mercy  upon  him,  and  to  our  God,  for  he  will 
abundantly  pardon.' 


SERMON  V. 


THE  SOVEREIGNTY  OF  DIVINE  GRACE  ASSERTED  ANI> 
ILLUSTRATED. 


Matt.  xi.  20. 
Even  so,  father,  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  Ihy  sight. 

That  the  doctrine  in  the  preceding  verse  is  true  in  fact,  is  suf- 
ficiently evident  from  common  observation.  The  greatest  part 
of  those  whom  the  world  esteems  wise  and  prudent,  and  all,  to  a 
man,  who  think  themselves  so,  pay  but  small  regard  to  the  truths 
of  the  Gospel.  They  are  hid  from  their  eyes,  and  revealed  to 
babes,  to  those  whom  they  despise  on  account  of  their  ignorance 
and  insignificance.  And  if  a  few  who  are  favoured  with  consid- 
erable advantages  in  ])oint  of  genius,  education,  or  rank,  do  re- 
ceive the  truth  in  the  love  of  it,  they  have  been  at  least  taught 
that  they  are  no  better  than  babes,  and  are  glad  to  count  all  out- 
ward things  but  loss,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of 
Christ  Jesus  the  Lord. 

If  we  could  give  no  other  reason  for  this  dispensation  of  grace, 
than  that  which  is  assigned  in  our  text,  it  ought  to  be  satisfacto- 

■*  Mark  x.  .20,  ^  1  Sam.  xvi.  7.  t  Isa.  It.  7—9. 


Ser.  5.]        ASSERTED  AND  ILLUSTHATEB.  Ill 

vy ;  and  would  be  so,  it'  it  was  not  for  the  pride  of  our  hearts 
Surely  that  which  seems  good  in  the  sight  of  God  must  be  holy, 
and  wise,  and  good  in  itself.  How  vain  and  presumptuous  h 
blinded  man,  that  would  dare  to  reply  against  his  Slaker,  to 
charge  his  holiness  with  injustice,  his  wisdom  with  mistake,  his 
goodness  with  partiality  ?  All  their  vain  cavils  will  be  silenced 
at  the  great  day,  when  the  secrets  of  all  hearts  are  opened,  and 
Cod  will  be  justified  when  he  condemns.  However,  though  we 
dare  not  venture  too  far  into  the  depths  of  the  divine  counsels, 
yet,  from  the  light  he  has  afl'orded  us  in  his  word,  we  maj',  in  our 
feeble  manner,  assert  and  prove,  that  his  ways  are  just  and  equal : 
and,  besides  the  argument  of  his  sovereignty,  '  that  so  it  has 
pkased  him,'  he  has  been  pleased  to  favour  us  with  some  of  the 
reasons  '  why  it  has  so  pleased  him,'  And  this  is  the  subject  I 
propose  to  lead  your  meditations  to,  from  these  words.  May  his 
Spirit  assist  me,  that  I  may  not  darken  counsel  by  words  without 
knowledge. 

Let  us  begin  with  inquiring,  What  might  be  his  principal  ends 
in  sending  his  Son  into  the  world,  that  we  might  have  life  through 
him  ?     These  I  apprehend  were  chiefly  two. 

1.  The  redemption  and  complete  salvation  of  all  that  believe. 
All  mankind  are  by  nature  in  the  same  state  of  sin  and  miser}'. 
But  we  are  told,  that  at  the  great  day  there  will  be  an  unspeaka- 
ble difference  in  the  circumstances  between  some  and  others. 
Many  will  then  stand  trembling  at  his  left  hand,  to  whom  the 
King  shall  say,  '  Depart.'  But  those  on  the  right  hand  will  hear 
those  joyful  words,  '  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the 
kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.'  If 
you  ask.  To  what  is  this  difference  primarily  owing  ?  The  an- 
swer is  provided  :  '  Jesus  loved  them,  and  washed  them  from  their 
sins  in  his  own  blood  ;  he  redeemed  them  out  of  every  nation, 
and  people,  and  language  ;  they  came  out  of  great  tribulation, 
«ndwashed  their  robes,  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb  ;  therefore  are  they  before  the  throne.'  It  was  then  for 
their  sakes,  who  should  be  hereafter  found  at  the  right  hand  of 
God,  that  'God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made  un- 
der the  law,  to  redeem  them  that  were  under  the  law,  that  we 
might  receive  the  adoption  of  sons.' 

2.  But,  besides  this,  God  had  another  and  a  still  higher  end  in 
the  work  of  redemption,  namely,  the  manifestation  of  his  own 
glory.  It  was  unspeakable  love  to  us  that  he  provided  the  means 
of  salvation  at  all :  and  we  cannot  wonder,  much  less  ought  wc 
to  complain,  that,  injustice  to  himself,  he  appointed  such  means, 
and  such  a  way,  as  that  all  the  ])raise  and  glory  of  the  contri- 
vance should  in  the  end  redound  to  himself  alone.     In  order  to 


112  SOVEREIGNTY  OF  DIVINE  GRAGE  [Ser.    S. 

this,  It  was  necessary  that  the  following  things  should  be  manifest- 
ed with  the  fnllest  evidence. 

1st.  The  greatness  of  man's  depravity,  guilt,  and  misery  :  that 
it  was  not  a  small  thing,  but  a  case  worthy  the  interposition  of  al- 
mighty power  and  infinite  grace. 

2dly.  The  utter  insufficiency  of  man  to  relieve  himself;  that 
so  God  might  have  the  whole  honour  of  his  recovery,  and  we 
might  be  for  ever  debtors  to  his  free,  undeserved  mercy. 

3dly.  That  whereas  there  are,  to  outward  appearance,  a  great 
variety  of  characters  among  mankind,  it  was  necessary  the  dis- 
pensation of  his  grace  should  be  so  conducted  as  to  show  that  no 
case  was  too  hard  for  his  power,  or  too  low  and  miserable  for  his 
compassion  and  condescension. 

Upon  these  grounds  we  may  see  something  of  his  wisdom  in 
the  methods  he  has  appointed,  and  in  the  subjects  of  his  choice  ; 
why  it  has  seemed  good  in  his  sight  to  hide  these  things  from  the 
wise  and  prudent,  and  to  reveal  them  unto  babes  ;  for  such  rea- 
sons as  these  : — 

i.  To  stain  the  pride  of  all  human  glory. 

2.  To  exclude  every  pretence  of  boasting. 

3.  That  there  might  be  a  ground  of  hope  provided  for  the 
vilest  and  meanest. 

4.  That  the  salvation  of  believers  might  be  sure,  and  not  sub- 
ject to  miscarry. 

I.  The  Lord  of  hosts  hath  proposed  it,  '  to  stain  the  pride  of 
all  human  glory.'*  How  much  men  are  disposed  to  admire  their 
own  wisdom,  learning,  and  fancied  accomplishments,  is  sufficiently' 
obvious.  But  now  the  pride  of  all  this  glory  is  stained,  inas- 
much as  it  is  proved  by  experience  to  be  utterly  useless  in  the 
most  important  concerns.  One  man  has  talents  to  rule  a  king- 
dom ;  but  is  himself  a  slave  to  the  vilest  lusts  and  passions.  An- 
other has  courage  to  face  death  in  a  field  of  battle  ;  yet,  with  re- 
gard to  religion,  is  a  mere  coward  :  overawed  by  the  feeble 
breath  of  the  multitude,  he  is  both  ashamed  and  afraid  to  prac- 
tise what  his  conscience  convinces  him  is  his  duty.  Another  al- 
most pretends  to  count  the  number  of  the  stars,  and  to  call  them 
all  by  their  names ;  yet  has  no  more  thought  of  the  God  that 
made  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  than  the  beasts  that  perish. 
Another  delights  in  books  and  languages  which  few  can  under- 
stand but  himself;  nothing  so  false  or  foolish  but  he  accounts  it 
worth  his  study,  if  it  has  but  the  stamp  of  antiquity  to  recommend 
it ;  only  the  book  of  God,  (though  much  more  ancient  than  all 
his  fables.)  because  it  may  be  read  in  plain  English,  is  thrown  by 

■"  Jsa.  xxiii.  9. 


Ser.    6.}  ASSERTED   AND   II.Lti  STRATED.  •    113 

as  unworthy  his  notice.  Another  who  professes  to  be  Scripture- 
wise,  perverts  the  Scripture,  and  abuses  his  own  reason,  to  estab- 
lish the  most  absurd  errors,  or  to  overturn  the  plainest  truths. 
Another  amuses  himself  with  setting  forth  the  praises  of  virtue 
and  morality,  while  his  own  conduct  furnishes  a  standing  proof, 
either  of  the  weakness  of  his  scheme,  or  the  insincerity  of  his  heart. 
Time  would  fail  to  recount  all  the  achievements  of  these  wise  and 
prudent  men.  But  behold  the  pride  of  them  all  stained.  In  the 
midst  of  all  their  acquisitions  and  inventions,  they  are  strangers  to 
God,  to  themselves,  and  to  peace ;  they  are  without  Christ,  and 
without  hope  ;  those  things  which  alone  are  of  real  importance, 
are  hid  from  their  eyes.  Here  the  desperate  depravity  and  de- 
ceitfulness  of  the  heart  are  manifested  to  the  glory  of  God  ;  and 
it  is  clearly  seen,  that  if  he  does  not  interpose  to  save,  men  are 
wholly  unable  to  save  themselves. 

II.  To  exclude  boasting.  '  Where  is  boasting  then  ?  It  is  ex- 
cluded.' As  the  apostle  speaks  in  another  place,  '  If  Abraham 
was  justified  by  works,  he  hath  whereof  to  glory  :'*  so  if  men 
were  saved  either  in  whole,  or  in  part,  by  their  own  wisdom  and 
prudence,  they  might,  in  the  same  degree,  ascribe  the  glory  and 
praise  to  themselves.  They  might  say,  My  own  power  and  wis- 
dom gave  me  this  ;  and  thus  God  would  be  robbed  of  the  iionour 
due  to  his  name.  But  now  this  is  prevented.  The  word  of  the 
Lord  is,  '  Let  not  the  wise  man  glory  in  his  wisdom,  neither  let 
the  mighty  man  glory  in  his  might ;  let  not  the  rich  man  glory  in 
his  riches  ;  but  let  him  that  glorieth  glory  in  this,  that  he  under- 
standeth  and  knowetii  me,  that  I  am  the  Lord.'f  For  whatever 
outward  advantages  some  may  seem  to  possess,  as  to  the  things 
of  God,  they  stand  altogether  upon  a  level  with  the  meanest. 
These  things  cannot  be  understood  by  any  sagacity  on  our  parts, 
but  must  be  revealed  by  the  Father  of  lights.  What  could  be 
done  in  this  way,  you  may  collect  from  St.  Paul's  representation 
in  the  first  chapter  of  his  epistle  to  the  Romans.  Many  of  the 
Heatiiens  were  eminent  for  wisdom  and  abilities,  and  made  great 
proficiency  in  science  ;  but  with  regard  to  the  knowledge  of 
God,  the  result  of  all  their  researches  was  error,  superstition,  and 
idolatry  ;  professing  themselves  to  be  wise,  they  became  fools, 
and  their  disquisitions  had  no  other  effect  than  to  leave  them  with- 
out excuse.  Their  practice  (as  will  always  be  the  case)  was  cor- 
respondent to  their  principles  ;  and,  in  the  midst  of  a  thousand 
refinements  in  theory,  they  were  abandoned  to  the  grossest  and 
most  detestable  vices.  If  it  be  said,  these  had  not  the  light  of 
rfevelation,  we  may  observe  the  same  or  similar  effects  where  the 

*Rom.  iv.  2.  +  .Tor.  ix.  23,  24. 

Vol.  II.  IT; 


114  SOVEREIGNTY  OF   DIVINE  GRArE  [Ser.    5* 

Gospel  is  known.  With  this  superior  light  men  are  still  equally 
vain  in  their  imaginations ;  and,  though  they  do  not  pay  an  out- 
ward and  formal  worship  to  stocks  and  stones,  they  are  gross 
idolaters  ;  for  they  serve,  love,  and  trust  the  creature  more  than 
the  Creator.  When  there  is  a  difierence,  it  is  owing  to  grace, 
and  grace  is  acknowledged.  Such  will  readily  say,  '  Not  unto 
us,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy  name  be  the  praise.'*' 
Thus  all  pretence  to  boasting  is  effectually  excluded  ;  and  he 
that  can  glory  upon  good  grounds,  must  glory  only  in  the  Lord. 

If  it  should  be  supposed  that  this  representation  of  things  tends 
to  discourage  a  diligent  and  serious  inquiry  after  truth,  I  answer, 
when  rightly  understood,  it  will  have  just  the  contrary  effect. 
What  can  be  more  suited  to  excite  diligence,  than  to  point  out  the 
method  in  which  it  will  assuredly  be  crowned  with  success  ?  Yoii 
cannot  succeed  without  the  light  and  assistance  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  ;  but  if,  conscious  of  this,  and  aware  of  your  own  insuffi- 
ciency, you  will  seek  his  direction  and  guidance  by  humble  pray- 
er, it  shall  be  afforded  you.  If  you  know  this,  you  will  certainly 
be  wearied  in  the  end  by  repeated  disappointments ;  but  if  you 
depend  upon  his  teaching  and  co-operation  in  the  use  of  the 
ftieans  he  has  appointed,  your  knowledge  shall  advance  as  the 
growing  light. 

III.  This  method  of  the  divine  procedure  opens  a  door  of  hope 
to  the  vilest  and  the  meanest.  Let  not  any  be  cast  down  on 
account  of  any  peculiar  incapacity  or  difficulty  in  their  case.  If 
none  but  the  wise  and  the  learned,  the  rich,  and  those  v.ho  are 
esteemed  well-behaved  and  virtuous,  could  be  saved ;  or  if  these 
stood  in  a  fairer  way  for  it  than  others,  the  greatest  part  of  man- 
kind might  give  up  hope,  and  sit  down  in  despair  at  once.  But 
the  case  is  exactly  the  reverse.  It  is  true,  the  persons  I  am 
speaking  of  are  not  the  worse  for  these  distinctions,  whenever 
they  are  sensible  how  vain  and  insufficient  they  are,  and  betake 
themselves,  as  poor,  helpless,  misernble,  blind,  and  naked,  to  (lee 
for  refuge  to  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ.  But,  alas  !  their  sup- 
posed qualifications  too  often  harden  them  to  reject  the  counsel  of 
God  against  themselves.  They  think  themselves  whole,  and 
therefore  see  not  the  necessity  or  value  of  the  physician.  You 
who  are  sensible  3'ou  have  nothing  of  your  own  to  trust  to,  take 
encouragement ;  the  Lord  has  suited  his  Gospel  to  j-our  circum- 
stances. 

L  Are  ye  poor.'*  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  sanctified  the 
state  of  poverty  by  taking  it  on  himself.  He  had  no  where  to 
lay  his  head.     He  will  not,  therefore,  despise  you  on  this  account. 

""  Psalm  cxv.  1. 


Ser.  6.3  ASSERTED  AND  ILLUSTRATED.  115 

Only  pray  tliat  you  may  likewise  be  poor  in  spirit.  He  looks 
through  all  outward  distinctions,  and  often  passes  by  a  palace  to 
make  his  presence  and  power  known  in  a  mud-walled  cottage. 
Perhaps  he  appointed  this  state  in  mercy  to  your  souls,  thai  you 
might  not  be  distracted  svith  many  things,  nor  take  up  with  a  por- 
tion in  this  world.  You  cannot  be  in  a  lower  or  more  afflicted 
state  than  Lazarus,  who,  wliile  he  lay  neglected  at  the  rich  man's 
gate,  oppressed  with  want,  and  full  of  sores,  was  a  child  of  God, 
and  the  charge  of  angels. 

2.  Are  you  ignorant  ?  If  you  cannot  read,  you  miss  indeed  a 
considerable  advantage  which  you  might  derive  from  the  perusal 
of  his  good  word,  and  I  would  wish  you  to  attain  it  if  practicable. 
If  not,  give  so  much  more  diligent  attention  to  the  preaching  of 
the  Gospel ;  entreat  others  to  read  the  Scripture  to  you.  But  es- 
pef^ially  pray.  The  Lord  can  teach  you  witliout  a  book,  and 
mnke  up  for  every  defect.  It  is  very  possible  for  you  to  attain 
to  know  and  love  God,  to  love  your  neighbour,  to  rejoice  in 
Christ,  to  keep  his  precepts,  to  be  content  with  your  station,  to 
live  by  faith,  and  to  die  with  comfort,  though  you  cannot  dis- 
tinguish one  letter  from  another.  The  prophet  Isaiah,  in  the 
prospect  of  Gospel  times,  gives  a  description  of  the  way  of  salva- 
tion, v/hich  is  peculiarl}'  suited  for  your  comfort  :  '  And  a  high- 
way shall  be  there,  and  it  shall  be  called  the  way  of  holiness  ;  the 
wayfaring  men,  though  fools,  shall  not  err  therein."'^ 

3.  Have  you  been  notorious  open  sinners  .''  Then  you  are  in 
the  less  danger  of  trusting  to  your  own  righteousness.  And  as 
to  the  rest,  if  you  are  sick  of  sin,  if  you  sincerely  desire  to  be  freed, 
as  well  from  the  power  as  from  the  guilt  of  it,  you  stand  as  fair 
for  salvation  as  the  most  sober  and  regular  person  upon  the  earth. 
St.  Paul,  speaking  to  those  who  had  been  partakers  of  the  saving 
grace  of  God,  after  he  had  made  an  enumeration  of  the  blackest 
3ins  which  man  can  be  guilty  of,  adds,  '  And  such  were  some  of 
you  ;  bui  ye  are  washed,  but  ye  are  sanctified,  but  ye  are  justifi- 
ed, in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God.'f 

IV.  In  this  way  the  salvation  of  believers  is  sure.  If  it  de- 
pended on  any  thing  in  man,  it  might  miscarry.  Man's  boasted 
wisdom  is  soon  changed.  A  few  hours  of  a  fever,  a  small 
blow  on  the  head,  may  change  a  wise  man  into  a  fool.  '  But  it 
is  of  grace,  to  the  end  that  the  promise  might  be  sure  to  all  the 
seed.'i  Adam  had  a  stock  of  wisdom,  yet  when  he  was  trusted 
with  his  own  happiness,  he  could  not  preserve  it.  But  the  second 
Adam  is  all-suiTicicnt.  Our  dependence  is  upon  him.  To  those 
who  are  babes,  he  is  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and  all 

*Isa.  XXXV. ;!,  +  1  Cor.  vi.  11.  t  Rons.  iv.  16, 


116  SOVEREIGNTY    OF    DlVIxNK    GRACE,  2cC.  [Scr.   5. 

that  they  want.  If  this  concern  had  been  left  to  the  wisdom  of 
man,  it  is  most  probable  that  Christ  would  have  lived  and  died  in 
vain,  without  a  single  real  disciple.  But  now  the  dispensation  of 
grace  is  in  his  hands,  we  are  sure  that  some  will  believe  in  him  ; 
and  we  are,  likewise,  sure,  that  those  who  truly  do  so  shall  never 
be  ashamed  of  their  hope. 

Now,  from  what  has  been  said, 

1.  Inquire  what  is  the  temper  of  your  minds  with  regard  to 
this  appointment.  Our  Lord  rejoiced  in  it  as  the  wise  and  holy 
will,  the  good  pleasure  of  his  heavenly  Father.  If  you  are  dis- 
pleased at  it,  is  it  not  a  proof  that  you  have  not  the  mind  which 
was  in  Christ  Jesus  ?  If  God  ivills  one  thing,  and  you  ivill  an- 
other, where  must  the  contention  end  ?  To  what  purpose,  or 
with  what  pretence  can  you  use  that  expression  in  the  Lord's 
prayer,  '  Thy  will  be  done,'  when,  in  efl'cct,  your  hearts  rise  with 
enmity  against  it  ?  This  is  one  topic  from  whence  we  may  con- 
firm the  declaration  of  Scripture,  that  man,  by  nature,  is  not  only 
a  transgressor  of  the  law,  but  an  enemy,  yea,  enmity  itself,  against 
God.*'  They  may  pay  some  profession  of  regard  to  the  power 
that  made  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  the  sea,  and  the  fountains 
of  water,  while  they  worship  they  know  not  what,  according  to 
their  own  vain  and  -4ark  imaginations.  But  the  attributes  and 
characters  of  God  revealed  in  Scripture,  his  holiness,  justice, 
truth,  and  sovereignty,  they  cannot  bear.  They  are  enemies  to 
the  declared  strictness  of  his  moral  government,  and  enemies  to 
the  methods  by  which  he  has  proposed  to  communicate  his  grace. 
But  he  is  God,  and  who  can  control  him  ?  Who  can  say  unto 
him.  What  hast  thou  done  ':'  You  must  either  submit  to  his 
golden  sceptre  in  time,  or  his  rod  of  iron  will  fall  upon  you  for 
ever. 

2,  Does  it  not  appear,  from  hence,  that  the  doctrine  of  free 
sovereign  grace  is  rather  an  encouragement  to  awakened  and 
broken-hearted  sinners  than  otherwise  f  If  you  are  most  UU" 
worthy  of  mercy,  and  destitute  of  every  plea,  should  you  not 
be  glad  to  hear  that  the  Lord  does  not  expect  worthiness  in 
those  whom  he  saves  ;  but  that  he  himself  has  provided  the 
only  plea,  which  he  will  accept,  and  a  plea  which  cannot  be 
over-ruled,  the  righteousness  and  meditation  of  his  well-beloved 
Son  ? 

"  Rom,  viii.  7. 


SERMON  yi. 


OF  THE  PERSON  OF  CHRIST. 


Matt.  xi.  27. 

JH  things  are  delivered  unto  me  of  my  Father:  and  no  man  kuoiveth  the  Son. 
but  the  Father :  neither  knoweth  any  man  the  Father,  save  the  Son,  and  he 
to  ivhomsoever  the  Son  loill  reveal  him. 

The  two  preceding  verses  have  led  us  to  consider  grace 
(if  I  may  so  speak)  in  the  unfathomable  depths  of  the  sovereign 
Avill  and  good  pleasure  of  God.  In  this  verse,  our  Lord  calls 
us  to  the  contemplation  of  his  own  glorious  person,  authority, 
and  fulness.  In  him  grace  is  treasured  up,  as  in  a  repository 
for  communication,  to  be  dispensed  to  need}',  perishing  sin- 
ners. 

When  an  ambassador  is  deputed  from  an  eaj-thly  prince,  to 
transact  some  concern  of  great  importance,  he-  produces  his  com- 
mission and  authority,  without  which,  all  he  could  propose  would 
be  little  regarded ;  and  those  are  most  honoured  and  attended  to, 
who  are  intrusted  with  full  powers,  that  is,  with  a  liberty  to  act 
and  propose  as  occasions  offer,  without  further  instructions,  and 
with  full  security  that  the  king  will  ratify  and  confirm  whatever 
they  agree  to,  in  the  same  manner  as  if  he  had  done  it  in  his  own 
person.  Thus  (if  we  may  presume  to  compare  small  things  with 
great)  our  Lord  Jesus  Ciu'ist,  the  great  messenger  of  the  Father's 
love,  before  he  invites  every  weary,  heavy-laden  sinner  to  come 
to  him,  with  a  gracious  assurance  that  he  will  receive,  and  pardon, 
and  save  them  all,  he  condescends,  in  this  verse,  (as  it  were)  to 
open  his  commission,  to  instruct  us  in  his  own  personal  dignity, 
and  to  communicate  to  us  the  ample  and  unlimited  authority 
which  he  has  received  from  God  to  treat  with  rebels.  He  knows 
what  hearts  of  unbelief  we  have  ;  how  greatly  an  awakened  con- 
science is  terrified  with  guilt ;  how  busy  Satan  is  to  urge  us  to 
question  either  his  ability  or  his  willingness  to  save  ;  and,  there- 
fore, he  would  leave  nothing  undone  that  might  encourage  us  to 
come  to  him  and  find  rest  for  our  souls.  May  his  gracious  Spirit 
enable  me  to  speak  aright,  and  so  open  your  hearts  to  understand 
what  may  be  said  upon  this  high  subject,  that  wc  may  have  joy 
and  peace  in  believing. 


118  OP  THE  PERSON  OP  CHRIST.  [Ser.  G. 

The  words  contain  a  threefold  declaration. 

1.  Of  his  person  :  '  No  man  knoweth  the  Son,  but  the  Father  j 
neither  knovvetii  any  man  the  Father,  save  the  Son.' 

2.  Of  his  authority  :  '  All  things  are  delivered  to  me  of  my 
Father.' 

3.  Of  his  office  :  summarily  Intimated  in  the  expression,  'He 
in  whomsoever  the  Son  will  reveal  him.' 

To  treat  these  points  in  their  proper  extent,  would  be  a  subject 
more  than  equal  to  the  abilities  and  life  of  man.  Much  would 
be  left  unsaid  at  last.  We  cannot  order  our  speech  by  reason  of 
darkness.  This  is  a  theme  fit  for  an  angel's  tongue  ;  the  most  ex- 
alted angel,  or  all  the  angels  in  heaven,  would  be  unable  to  com- 
prehend it,  for  it  is  infinite,  as  our  text  declares.  None  knows  the 
Son  but  the  Father.  Here  we  are  too  prone  to  think  highly  of 
our  own  knowledge  ;  but  when  we  arrive  in  yonder  world  of  light, 
to  see  him  as  he  is,  we  shall'be  ashamed  of  the  highest  conceptions 
we  had  of  him,  and  of  our  most  laboured  attempts  to  express 
them,  while  we  were  imprisoned  in  this  distant  land.  Then  we 
shall  say,  with  the  queen  of  Sheba,  '  Behold,  the  half,  the  thou- 
sandth part,  was  not  told  us.'  In  the  mean  time  he  is  pleased  to 
accept  our  imperfect  stammerings,  to  assist  our  feeble  inquiries, 
and  does  not  disdain  (as  he  justly  might)  to  hear  us  take  his  name 
upon  our  polluted  lips. 

I.  The  inconceivable  dignity  of  his  person  is  pointed  out  by 
two  expressions. 

1.  '  No  man  (or,  rather,  as  it  might  be  rendered  here,  and  in 
many  other  places,  JVo  one*)  knoweth  the  Son,  but  the  Father.' 
No  one — 

First.  Not  the  wisest  man  in  a  state  of  nature.  Various  de- 
grees of  knowledge  there  are  amongst  the  sons  of  men.  There 
is  a  great  difference  between  man  and  man ;  between  one  who 
knows  not  his  letters,  or  anything  beyond  the  bounds  of  his  own 
village  ;  and  another  who  has  a  large  acquaintance  with  arts  and 
sciences,  history  and  languages,  and  has  surveyed  the  manners 
and  boundaries  of  many  nations.  But,  with  regard  to  the  know- 
ledge of  Christ,  the  philosopher  and  the  shepherd,  the  king  and 
the  beggar,  are  just  upon  a  level.  Of  two  blind  men,  one  may 
know  man}'  things  more  than  the  other  ;  but  with  regard  to 
the  knowledge  of  light  and  colours,  they  will  be  both  ignorant 
alike. 

Some  of  you,  perhaps,  think  yourselves  wiser  than  many  of 
your  neighbours.     But  I   cannot  too  often   remind  you,   that  if 

*  Ou5cif. 


Ser.  6.]  0?  the  person  of  christ.  119 

you  know  not  Christ,  all  your  wisdom  is  folly,  and  you  will  find 
it  so  at  last. 

Secondly,  Neither  do  his  own  people  know  him  in  the  sense  of 
my  text.  Some  knowledge  of  him,  indeed  they  have,  which  is 
their  diflerencing  character  from  the  world.  But  how  small  a 
portion  !  That  they  know  him  and  trust  him  a  little,  is 
plain,  because  they  love  him  and  trust  him  ;  but  how  little,  is 
plain  likewise,  because  their  love  is  so  faint,  and  their  trust  so 
feeble.  Their  doubts,  fears,  complaints,  and  backslidings,  are  so 
many  mournful  proofs  that  they  are  but  poorly  acquainted  with 
him ;  and  sufficiently  evidence,  that  a  great  part  of  what  we  account 
our  knowledge,  is  not  real  and  experimental,  but  notional  only. 
The  literal  sense  of  what  we  read  concerning  Jesus,  is  attainable 
by  study  and  human  teaching  ;  but  the  spiritual  import  can  be 
received  only  from  Him  who  teaches  to  the  heart,  who  increases 
it  in  us  by  the  various  exercises  and  dispensations  we  pass  through; 
and  the  best  have  much  more  to  learn  than  they  have  alread}'  at- 
tained. There  are,  indeed,  happy  moments  when  he  manifests 
himself  to  the  eye  of  faith,  in  his  glory,  and  in  his  love ;  as  he 
did  to  Peter  in  the  mount,  and  to  Thomas,  when  a  sight  of  his 
wounds  conquered  his  unbelief,  and  made  him,  in  a  transport  of 
joy,  cry  out,  '  My  Lord,  and  my  God.'  But  these  visits,  though 
they  have  a  powerful  influence  to  conquer  sin  and  fear,  are  tran- 
sient; and  when  the  cause  is  withdrawn,  there  is  a  proportionable 
abatement  in  the  efiect.  The  knowledge  of  Christ,  in  the  present 
life,  may  be  compared  to  the  knowledge  which  a  shepherd  has 
of  the  sea,  from  having  viewed  it  from  the  top  of  a  clifl'.  In  a 
sense  it  ma}  be  said,  he  has  seen  the  sea  ;  but  how  little  has  he 
seen,  in  comparison  of  what  lies  beyond  the  reach  of  his  eye  ! 
How  inadequate  is  such  a  prospect  to  give  him  an  idea  answerable 
to  the  length,  and  breadth,  and  depth,  of  the  immense  ocean  ! 
Nay,  further, 

Thirdl}^,  The  glorified  saints  and  holy  angels,  who  behold  as 
much  of  his  glory  as  creatures  can  bear,  do  not  know  him  as  he 
is.  They  are  filled  with  his  power  and  love.  He  comprehends 
them,  but  they  cannot  him.  A  vessel  cast  into  the  sea  can  but  re- 
ceive according  to  its  capacity.  Thus  are  they  filled  with  his  ful- 
ness till  they  can  hold  no  more  ;  but  his  glory  still  remains  infinite 
and  boundless.  The  glorious  seraphim,  therefore,  are  represent- 
ed as  hiding  their  faces  with  their  wings,  unable  to  bear  the  splen- 
dour of  his  presence.     For, 

Fourthly,  '  None  knows  the  Son  but  the  Father.'  This  proves 
his  divinity.  God  only  knows  himself.  The  Son  is  his  eternal 
Word,  his  eternal  Wisdom,  and  therefore  beyond  the  highest  reach 
of  finite  understandinc:. 


120  OF    THE    PERSON    OF    CHRIST.  [Sci*.  6- 

'  2.  '  None  knows  the  Father  but  the  Son.'  Here  I  mif^ht  re- 
peat the  former  particulars.  God  has  made  something  known  ot 
jiimself  in  his  works,  much  in  his  word,  more  still  in  his  grace. 
All  men  have  some  faint  perceptions  of  his  power  and  presence. 
He  manifests  himself  to  his  own  family  below,  still  more  to  his 
family  above ;  yet,  after  all,  he  is  said  to  dwell  in  light  which  no 
man  can  approach.  None  knows  him  but  the  Son,  and  he  knows 
him  perfectly,  knows  the  incomprehensible  God  ;  therefore  he  is 
God  himself.  As  he  said  to  Philip,  '  He  that  hath  seen  me,  hath 
seen  the^Father.'* 

Now,  if  we  had  no  other  proof  of  this  doctrine  but  the  passage 
before  us,  since  this  is  the  declaration  of  the  true  and  faithful  Wit- 
ness, it  should  be  accepted  as  decisive.  But  as  this  is  the  great 
mystery  of  godliness,  the  pillar  and  ground  of  truth,  the  founda- 
tion of  all  our  hopes,  I  shall  take  this  opportunity  to  confirm  it 
more  largely  from  other  Concurrent  testimonies  of  Scripture. 

By  the  Son,  I  mean  the  person  who  spoke  these  words  ;  he  who 
was  foretold  by  the  prophets  ;  who  in  the  fulness  of  time  came 
into  the  world  ;  who,  with  respect  to  his  divine  nature,  is  called 
'  the  Word,'f  and  with  respect  to  his  human  nature,  was  born  of 
the  Virgin  Mary  :  he  who  was  known  upon  earth  by  the  name  of 
Jesus  ;  whose  history  is  related  by  the  evangelists ;  who  suflered 
a  shameful  and  accursed  death  upon  the  cross,  without  the  gates 
of  Jerusalem.  Of  him  we  affirm,  '  That  he  was,  and  is,  the  true 
God,  and  eternal  life. 'J  In  proof  of  this,  besides  what  has  been 
already  said,  let  the  following  particulars  be  considered. 

First,  That  the  proper  and  peculiar  titles  of  God  are  attribu- 
ted to  him  frequently  in  the  Scriptures  ;  so  frequently,  that  it 
would  be  a  ver}'  long  task  to  transcribe  them  all.  Let  a  few,  the 
application  of  which  to  Christ  is  express  and  indisputable,  suffice 
for  a  specimen  ;  '  The  Word  was  God  :'  '  His  name  shall  be  cal- 
led Emmanuel,  God  with  us :'  '  Jehovah  our  Righteousness :' 
'  The  Mighty  God.'  In  the  same  style  he  speaks  of  himself  by 
his  servants  the  prophets  and  apostles  :  '  Thy  Maker  is  thin6 
husband,  the  Lord  of  Hosts  is  his  name ;  and  thy  Redeemer  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel ;  the  God  of  the  whole  earth  shall  he  be  cal- 
led.' '  Look  unto  me,  and  be  ye  saved,  all  the  ends  of  the 
earth  ;  for  I  am  God,  and  there  is  none  else.'  '  I  am  Alpha  and 
Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end,  the  first  and  the  last,  the  Al- 
mighty.'v^ 

-  John  xiv.  9.  f  John  i.  1.  1 1  John  v.  20. 

viJohni.  1.  Matt.  i.  23.  Jcr.  xxiii.  C.  Isa.  ix.  G.  Isu.  liv.  5.  Isa.  \Iv,22. 
Rev.  i.  8.  1 1 . 


Ser.  6.]  OF  the  person  of  christ.  121 

Amidst  the  variety  of  testimonies  which  might  be  adduced  to 
this  purpose,  there  are  two  which  are  pecuHarly  observable.  The 
Psalmist  expresses  the  majesty,  power,  and  immutability  of  God, 
in  these  sublime  terms  :  '  Of  old  thou  hast  laid  the  fomidations  of 
the  earth,  and  the  heavens  are  the  work  of  thine  hands.  They 
shall  perish,  but  thou  shalt  endure  ;  yea,  all  of  them  shall  wax 
old  like  a  garment ;  as  a  vesture  thou  shalt  change  them,  and 
they  shall  be  changed  :  but  thou  art  the  same,  and  thy  years  shall 
have  no  end.'*  Surely  none  can  deny  but  this  ascription  must  be 
incommunicably  due  to  the  Almighty  :  yet  the  author  of  the 
epistle  to  the  Hebrewsf  applies  these  words  directly  to  the  Son  of 
God.  The  other  passage  1  intend  is  the  vision  of  Isaiah,  record- 
ed in  his  sixth  chapter ;  which  not  only  proves  the  point  in  hand, 
but  irrefragably  establishes  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity.  For  the 
Lord  of  hosts,  whom  Isaiah  saw  and  heard,  is  affirmed  by  St. 
John  to  have  been  the  Son,  J  by  St.  Paul  to  have  been  the  Holy 
Ghost.§  Isaiah,  therefore,  had  a  manifestation  of  what  was  af- 
terwards in  explicit  words  set  forth  to  be  the  faith  of  the  church, 
that  '  there  are  three  that  bear  record  in  heaven,  the  Father,  the 
Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  these  three  are  one.'|| 

Secondl}',  His  works  upon  earth  were  such  as  necessarily  sup- 
pose a  divine  power.  Who  can  control  the  elements,  raise  the 
dead,  command  the  devils,  search  the  heart,  and  forgive  sin,  but 
God  alone  .^1F  If  it  should  be  said  that  many  of  his  servants  and 
followers  wrought  miracles  equal  to  his,  by  a  delegated  power, 
and  therefore  this  argument  is  not  conclusive ;  I  answer,  There 
is  an  apparent  difference  in  the  manner  of  their  working,  which 
proves  the  disparity  between  them  and  him.  They  could  do 
nothing  but  in  his  name,  and  by  his  power ;  they  usually  ad- 
dressed themselves  to  him  by  prayer,  and  always  ascribed  the 
praise  and  glory  to  him.**  But  his  power  was  independent,  sove- 
reign, and  unlimited  :  '  He  spoke,  and  it  was  done  ;  he  command- 
ed, and  it  stood  fast.'  At  the  breath  of  his  rebuke  the  raging 
tempest  and  the  boisterous  seas  were  instantly  hushed  into  a  per- 
fect calm.  The  deaf  heard  his  voice,  and  the  dead  came  forth 
from  their  graves,  at  his  first  call. 

Thirdly,  His  works  of  office  can  be  performed  by  none  but 
God.  This  might  be  proved  concerning  each  of  the  offices  he 
exercises  in  consequence  of  his  high  character  as  Mediator  be- 
tween God  and  man  ;  but  I  shall  speak  only  of  two. 

*  Psalm  cii.  25—27.  f  Heb.  i.  10—12.                       t  Jo^'"  "ij.  41  • 

v^  Acts  xxviii.  25.  |1  1  John  v.  7. 

•JMaikiv,  39.     John  xi.  43.  Luke  iv.  36.     Mark  ii.  10. 

**Acts.  m,  U— 16. 

Vol.  II.  tr. 


122  OP  THE  PERtiON  OF  chuist.  [Ser.  6 

(1.)  It  is  his  office  to  keep  his  believing  people  iii  this  present 
evil  world,  to  act*  the  part  of  a  shepherd  towards  them,  to  sup- 
ply their  wants  of  every  kind,  to  direct  their  steps,  to  control  their 
enemies,  to  overrule  all  things  for  their  good,  and  to  be  a  very 
present  help  in  every  time  of  trouble.  To  execute  this  important 
charge,  it  is  necessary  that  his  knowledge,  his  compassion,  his 
power,  and  his  patience,  must  be  boundless.  His  eye  must  be 
every  moment  upon  all  their  cases  at  once ;  bis  ear  must  be  in- 
cessantly open  to  receive  the  prayers  of  all  people,  nations,  and 
languages ;  his  arm  must  be  continually  stretched  out  to  support 
so  many  that  stand,  to  raise  up  so  many  that  fall,  to  aflbrd  sea- 
sonable and  suitable  supplies,  at  the  same  instant,  to  the  distresses 
and  temptations  of  millions.  If  this  is  the  office  he  has  under- 
taken, and  if  he  is  acknowledged  sufficient  and  faithful  in  the 
discharge  of  it,  what  more  undeniable  evidence  can  be  given, 
that  he  has  all  the  attributes  we  can  conceive  as  essential  and  pe- 
culiar to  the  godhead  ?  The  provocations,  defects,  and  back- 
slidings  of  his  people  are  likewise  so  numerous,  so  often  repeated, 
and  attended  with  such  black  aggravations,  that  if  he  was  not 
God,  invincible  in  goodness,  unchangeable  in  purpose,  if  his 
mercy  was  not,  as  his  majesty,  infinite,  he  would  be  wearied  out, 
and  provoked  to  cast  them  ofi'  for  ever.  The  great  reason  why 
he  bore  with  his  people  of  old,  holds  equally  strong  with  respect 
to  us :  'I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not,  therefore  yc  sons  of  Jacob 
are  not  consumed. 'f 

(2.)  The  like  may  be  said  of  the  high  office,  character,  and 
appointment  he  has  received,  to  be  the  Judge  of  the  world,  of 
angels,  and  of  men.  For,  besides  that  it  is  quite  incredible  that 
God,  who  is  jealous  of  his  glory,  should  intrust  this  most  illustri- 
ous prerogative  to  an}'  mere  creature,  it  seems  evident,  at  tirst 
sight,  that  no  creature  can  be  possibly  qualified  for  the  discharge 
of  it.  To  the  great  and  final  Judge  all  hearts  must  be  open,  all 
desires  known,  and  every  secret  disclosed.  He  must  beintimatelv 
acquainted  with  the  counsels  and  plans  that  lay  hid  in  God  from 
eternity  ;  he  must  have  a  sovereign,  comprehensive,  intuitive  vie\v 
of  every  event,  of  every  design  that  took  place  within  the  limit- 
of  time  and  creatioii ;  he  must  have  unlimited  authority  to  pro- 
nounce the  decisive  sentence  which  will  fix  the  everlasting  stale 
of  all  intelligent  beings,  and  uncontrolled  power  for  the  immedi- 
ate and  irrecoverable  execution  of  his  supreme  decree.  And  what 
higher  than  this  can  our  most  laboured  conceptions  reach  of  the 
Almighty  God  ?  If  it  be  said  that  Christ  will  act  by  a  delegated 
authority ;  we  answer,  It  is  a  contradiction  to  say  that  God  cat' 

*  IMatt.  ii.  6.  iroi^vsi,.  "  Mai.  iii.  6 


Ser.  G.]  OF  the  tersois"  of  christ.  123 

delegate  his  omniscience  tea  creature;  and  witliout  thin  attribute, 
any  assignable  measure  of  wisdom  or  power  would  be  insufficient. 
The  power  and  fulness  of  the  godhead  must  so  reside  in  the  Judge, 
as  justly  to  denominate  him  to  be  '  God  over  all  blessed  forever.'* 
And  tiiis  the  Scripture  assures  us  is  the  case  in  fact.  The  man 
Christ  Jesus,  who  is  appointed  the  Judge  of  quick  and  dead,  is  so 
intimately  and  essentially  unltec?  to  and  inhabited  by  the  Deity, f 
that  he  is  the  proper  object  of  our  faith,  as  the  true  God,  and 
eternal  life. 

Fourthly,  The  honours  he  claims  from  us  aflbrd  a  further  ar- 
gument for  his  proper  divinity.  He  challenges  our  supreme  love, 
obedience,  trust,  and  worship  :  '*Ye  believe  in  God,  believe  also 
in  me.'  '  Except  ye  eat  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  drink 
his  blood,  ye  have  no  life  in  you.'  '  That  all  men  should  honour 
the  Son  as  they  honour  the  Fadier.'  '  My  sheep  know  my  voice, 
and  I  know^  them,  and  they  follow  me  ;  and  I  give  unto  them 
eternal  life.'  '  I  am  the  light  of  the  world.'  '  I  am  the  resur- 
rection and  the  life. 'J  If  we  could  suppose  an  apostle  or  an 
angel,  speaking  of  himself  in  terms  like  these,  requiring  our  un- 
limited dependence,  and  directing  our  hope  and  love  to  centre 
wholly  on  him,  we  might  justly  reject  him  as  a  blasphemer.  How 
the  apostles  understood  these  expressions,  and  that  they  did  not 
mistake  our  Lord's  meaning,  is  evident  from  the  behaviour  of 
Thomas.  He  saluted  his  risen  Saviour,  '  My  Lord,  and  my 
God.'^^i  Had  his  transport  of  joy  carried  him  too  far  in  giving 
this  ascription  to  Jesus,  he  would,  doubtless,  have  corrected  him, 
and  provided  us  with  a  caution  against  committing  the  like  fault. 
For  who  that  has  tasted  his  love,  and  been  made  partaker  of  the 
power  of  his  resurrection,  can  avoid  adoring  him  with  the 
utmost  homage  their  words  can  express  or  their  hearts  con- 
ceive ! 

From  hence  we  may  take  occasion  to  observe, 

\.  His  wonderful  condescension  ;  that,  for  us  and  our  salvation, 
!ie  stooped  so  low,  drew  a  veil  over  bis  eternal  glories,  and  ap- 
peared in  the  form  of  a  servant,  to  suffer  and  to  die  :  '  though  he 
was  rich,  for  our  sakes  he  became  poor,  that  we,  through 
his  poverty,  might  be  made  rich.']]  This  was  love  passing  know- 
ledge, to  pour  out  his  blood,  his  life,  his  soul,  for  those  who  by 
nature  and  practice  were  enemies  and  rebels,  disobedient  to  his 
government,  and  averse  to  his  grace  ! 

*  Rom.  ix.  0.  t  Col.  ii.  9, 

I.Tohnxiv.  1.     vi.  53.     v.  23.    x.  £7,  28.     viii.  12.     xi.»>. 
■^  John  XX.  ?8.  fl  2,  Cor.  viii,.  9- 


124  OF    THE    PEtlSON    OI     CHRIST.  [Scr.  (^. 

2.  What  a  blessed  and  glorious  hope  is  set  before  awakened 
sinners  !  Add  to  the  consideration  of  his  person  what  we  have 
yet  to  ofler  from  the  word  of  God  concerning  his  authority  and 
purpose,  and  say  if  these  truths  do  not  give  sufficient  encourage- 
ment to  believe  and  be  saved  ! 

3.  How  awful  must  be  the  case  of  those  who  shall  be  found 
in  final  rebellion  against  him,  and  die  in  a  state  of  impeni- 
tence and  unbelief  !  Alas  !  poor  obstinate  sinners,  that  have 
stood  out  so  long,  will  you  still  harden  your  hearts,  and  stop 
your  ears,  and  rush  (like  the  thoughtless  horse  in  the  battle) 
upon  your  own  destruction  ?  Do  you  consider  whom  you  are 
opposing  ?  '  Did  ever  any  harden  himself  against  the  Lord, 
and  prosper  r"*  '  Have  you  an  arm  like  God  ?  or  can  you 
thunder  with  a  voice  like  him  ?'f  Where  will  you  stand,  or 
what  will  you  say,  '  when  he  shall  arise  to  shake  terribly  the 
earth  ?  when  he  shall  be  revealed  in  fire,  to  take  vengeance 
on  all  that  know  not  God,  and  obey  not  the  Gospel. 'J  O  kiss 
the  Son,  throw  down  your  arms,  and  fall  prostrate  at  his  foot- 
stool, lest  his  anger  awake,  and  you  perish  without  hope  ;  for 
in  a  little  time  the  great  day  of  his  wrath  will  be  revealed, 
'  which  will  burn  like  a  furnace,  and  all  the  proud,  yea,  and  all 
that  do  wickedly,  shall  be  stubble,  and  the  day  that  cometh  shall 
burn  them  up,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  that  it  shall  leave  them 
neither  root  nor  branch. '§  Then  will  it  appear  that  those,  and 
those  only,  are  blessed,  who  put  their  trust  in  him  ;  '  For  those- 
who  trust  in  him  shall  never  be  ashamed  ;  but  when  Christ,  who 
is  their  life,  shall  appear,  they  also  shall  appear  with  him  in 
glory.' II 

*  Job  ix.  4.  +  Job  xl.  9.  i  2  Thess.  i.  8. 

•^Mal.iv.  1.  H  Col.  iii.  I'. 


SERMON  VIL 

OF  THE  AUTHORITY  OF  CHRIST, 


Matt.  xi.  27. 

JU  things  are  delivered  unto  me  of  my  Father:  aftd  no  man  knoweih  tbt  Son 
but  the  Father:  neither  knoiveth  any  man  the  Father,  save  the  Son,  and  he 
to  whomsoever  the  Son  will  reveal  him. 

We  have  spoken  something  of  the  dignity  and  excellence 
of  that  Mighty  One  on  whom  our  help  is  laid  j  and  are  now  to 
consider, 

II.  The  covenant-authority  he  is  intrusted  with  to  manage  the 
great  concern  of  man's  salvation.  He  is  not  only  infinitely  suffi- 
cient, but  divinely  appointed  for  this  great  work. 

Of  this  covenant  there  is  express  mention  in  many  parts  of 
Scripture,  to  some  of  which  I  have  referred  in  the  note.*  It  is 
styled  the  covenant  of  peace,  the  everlasting,  ordered,  and  sure 
covenant.  The  power  and  efficacy  of  this  covenant  respected  the 
future  incarnation  of  our  Saviour.  Reasserted  his  right,  while 
in  the  form  of  a  servant,  in  the  words  of  my  text ;  and  to  the 
same  purpose  are  the  words  of  John  the  Baptist :  '  The  Father 
loveth  the  Son,  and  hath  delivered  all  things  into  his  hands. 'f 
But  the  full  manifestation  of  it  was  deferred  to  the  time  of  his 
resurrection,  when,  and  Vjy  which,  he  was  declared  to  be  the  Son 
of  God  with  power.J  Hence,  before  he  left  his  disciples,  he 
assured  them,  '  All  power  is  committed  to  me  in  heaven  and  in 
earth. '>^ 

The  sum  is,  that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  virtue  of  his  divine 
nature,  and  his  voluntary  undertaking,  in  our  flesh,  to  fulfil  all 
righteousness  for  us,  both  as  to  obedience  and  satisfaction,  is  ex- 
alted in  that  nature  wherein  he  suffered,  to  be  the  sovereign  Judge 
and  Lord  of  all.|| 

He  it  is  now  with  whom  we  have  to  do.  The  Holy  God,  con- 
sidered without  respect  to  the  covenant  of  grace,  is  a  consuming 
fire  to  sinners ;  and  we  cannot  stand  before  him.  But  now  he 
reveals  himself;  he  dwells,   as   in  his  temple,   in  the  man  Christ 

*  Ps.Ixxxix.  19.     Prov.  viii,  23.     Isa.  xlij.  1 — 6.  compared  witli  Matt.  xii. 
18—21.     Isa.  xlix.  8,  9.     Zech.  vi.  13. 
fJohniii.  35.  |  Rom.  i.  4.  ^  MaU.  xxviii.  18. 

!|Phil.  ii.  6— 11. 


i2G  QP    THE    AUTHORITY    OF    CHfelST.  [P^^'-    <  • 

Jesus.  He  has  intrusted  all  bis  glory  and  all  his  grace  in  his 
hands  ;  and  to  him  we  are  to  look,  on  him  we  are  to  depend,  for 
all  the  blessings  we  need  for  time  and  eternity.  For  '  all  things 
are  delivered  to  him  of  the  Father.'  All  things  is  a  most  com- 
prehensive expression.  We  may  distribute  it  as  referring  to  all 
persons,  all  blessings,  and  all  dispensations. 

1.  All  persons  are  in  his  hands.  Hence  his  sublime  title, 
'  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords.'*  He  doth  what  he  will 
among  the  armies  of  heaven  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth. 
Thus  Isaiah  saw  his  glor}^,  and  spake  of  him. 

1st.  He  is  Lord  over  his  enemies,  and  those  that  hate  him.  He 
i:ules  them  with  a  rod  of  iron,  and  so  disposes  their  designs  as  to 
make  them  (though  against  their  wills)  the  means  and  instruments 
of  promoting  his  own  purposes  and  glory. f  They  are  his  ser- 
vants even  when  they  rage  most  against  him.  He  has  a  bridle  in 
their  mouths  to  check  and  turn  them  at  his  pleasure.  He  can  and 
often  does  control  them  when  they  seem  most  sure  of  success,  and 
ahvays  sets  them  bounds  which  they  cannot  pass.  So  he  showed 
his  power  over  Pharaoh  of  old  :  the  haughty  king's  resistance 
only  gave  occasion  for  a  more  glorious  display  of  the  greatness 
and  goodness  of  the  God  of  Israel.  So  he  humbled  the  pride  of 
Herod,  and  gave  him  up,  in  the  midst  of  his  guards,  a  prey  to 
worms. J  And  thus,  sooner  or  later,  all  his  enemies  arc  brought 
to  lick  the  dust  before  him. 

2dlv.  But  especially  he  is  Lord  of  his  own  people.  By  nature, 
indeed,  they  likewise  are  his  enemies,  but  he  knows  them  all  by 
name.  They  have  been  in  a  peculiar  manner,  given  to  him  by 
the  Father  ;§  he  accounts  them  his  portion,  and  he  will  not  lose 
his  own. II  He  knows  where  to  find  tiiem,  and  when  to  call  them ; 
and  when  his  time  is  come,  one  word  or  Iqpk  from  him  can  dis- 
arm them  in  a  moment,  and  bring  them  humbly  to  his  feet.  How 
soon  did  he  stop  and  change  the  persecuting  Saul  !*fr  When  they 
are  thus  made  willing  in  the  day  of  his  power,  he  takes  them  un- 
der his  especial  care ;  and  whoso  toucheth  them,  toucheth  the 
apple  of  his  eye.  He  guides,  and  guards,  and  feeds,  and 
strengthens  them ;  he  keeps  them  night  and  day,  waters  them 
every  moment,  and  will  not  suffer  any  to  pluck  them  out  of  his 
liand,  nor  will  he  himself  leave  them  or  forsake  them  till  he  has 
done  all  that  he  has  spoken  to  them  of.  He  gives  them,  likewise, 
a  new  heart  and  gracious  dispositions,  suited  to  the  honourable 
relation   he  has  brought  them  into  ;  so   that  they  delight  in  his 


^  Rev.  xix.  U'l.     Dan.  iv.  35.     Isa.  vi.  compared  with  John,  xii.  41. 
t  Ps.  ii.  9.  t  Acts  xii.  23.  N  John  xvii,  C. 

ji  Johnx.  If;,  IG.  if  Acts  ix. 


Ser.  7.]  OE  the  authority  of  chrislt.  127 

precepts,  and  yield  him  a  cheerful,  habitual,  and  universal  obedi- 
ence, from  the  constraining  sense  they  have  received  of  his  inex- 
pressible love. 

2,  All  blessings  are  at  his  disposal.  Is  not  this  a  welcome  de- 
claration to  awakened  souls  ?  What  is  the  blessing  you  want  ? 
Seek  to  Jesus,  and  you  shall  not  be  disappointed.  Hear  his  gra- 
cious invitation,  'Ho,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  yie  to  the 
waters,  and  ye  that  have  no  money  ;  come  3'e,  buy  and  eat,  yea, 
come,  buy  wine  and  milk  without  mone}^,  and  without  price.  In- 
cline your  ear,  and  come  unto  me  :  hear  and  your  soul  shall  live.'* 
The  promised  blessings  which  he  holds  in  his  hands  are  the  very 
same  tliat  the  awakened,  enlightened  conscience  must  have,  and 
can  have  only  from  him. 

1st,  Pardon.  How  needful,  how  valuable  is  the  pardon  of  sin 
to  those  who  know  what  sin  is,  what  it  deserves,  and  what  a  share 
they  have  in  it  !  Such  are  incapable  of  taking  comfort  till  they 
know  how  God  may  be  reconciled,  and  sin  forgiven.  These  are 
the  persons  to  whom  Jesus  says,  '  Look  unto  me,  and  be  3'e  saved. 
I,  even  I,  am  he  that  blotteth  out  thy  transgressions  for  mine  own 
sake,  and  will  not  remember  thy  sins.'f 

2dly,  Righteousness.  By  believing  in  him  sinners  are  not  only 
pardoned,  but  justified.  They  are  accepted  in  the  beloved,  and 
accounted  righteous  by  his  righteousness  imputed  to  them,  which 
we  are  assured  is  unto  all,  and  upon  all  that  believe,  without  any 
difference  or  exception. J  Hence  his  people  adore  him,  and  glo- 
ry in  him,  by  his  name,  the  Lord  our  Righteousness.  In  hira  the> 
possess  a  righteousness  answerable  to  the  demands  of  the  holy 
law,  have  confidence  and  liberty  of  access  to  God  at  present, 
though  conscious  of  innumerable  deficiencies  in  themselves  ;  and 
the^'  shall  stand  with  boldness  before  him  in  this  righ.teousness,  nn& 
not  be  ashamed  in  the  great  day  of  his  appearance,  when  lie  shall 
come  to  judge  the  world. 

3dly,  Strength.  The  forgiveness  of  sin  that  is  past  would 
little  avail,  unless  there  was  provision  made  for  a  continual  supply 
of  needful  grace.  Without  liiis  we  shall  quickly  grov.-  weary, 
yield  to  the  force  of  surrounding  temptations,  till  at  length  th.e 
latter  end  would  be  worse  than  the  beginning.  But  now  every 
sincere  soul  may  be  freed  from  this  fear.  The  way  of  prevention 
is  pointed  out,  and  the  success  infallibly  secured  by  that  one  prom- 
ise, though  there  are  many  to  the  same  eHcct.  '  They  that  wait  0!> 
the  Lord  siiall  renew  their  strength.''*^ 

*  Isa.  Iv.  1.  -^-Isa.  xlv.  22.    xliii.  -:?i  ^  jRum.  iii.  '12 

h  Isa.  xl.  Sr 


128  OF    THE    AUTHORITY  OF    CHRIST.  [Ser.  7. 

4th ly,  Healing.  This  is  often  necessary ;  for  the  spiritual 
welfare  is  not  to  be  maintained  long  without  wounds.  Our  great 
enemy  is  so  subtle,  so  watchful,  so  well  provided  with  tempta- 
tions adapted  to  every  temper  and  circumstance  ;  and  we  are  so 
weak,  unpractised,  and  so  often  remiss  and  ofl^  our  guard,  that 
he  will  at  times  prevail  to  bring  us  into  the  dark,  barren, 
backsliding  state,  despoiled  of  comfort,  and  oppressed  with  fears. 
But  see  what  a  good  and  gracious  Shepherd  we  have  :  hear 
his  comfortable  words  ;  '  I  will  seek  that  which  was  lost,  and 
bring  again  that  which  was  driven  away,  and  will  bind  up 
that  which  was  broken,  and  will  strengthen  that  which  was 
sick.'* 

5thly,  Support  under  trouble.  He  has  engaged  to  lead  his 
people  safelyf  through  fire  and  through  water.  He  gives  them 
leave  to  cast  all  their  care  upon  him,  with  an  assurance  that  he 
careth  for  them.  He  has  said,  '  all  things  shall  work  together 
for  their  good  ;  that  his  grace  shall  be  sufficient  for  them  ;  and 
that  in  good  time  he  will  bruise  Satan  under  their  feet,  make  them 
more  than  conquerors,'  and  place  them  out  of  the  reach  of  sin 
and  sorrow  for  ever.  Besides  the  habitual  peace  which  arises 
from  the  believing  consideration  of  these  truths,  he  has  likewise 
peculiar  seasons  of  refreshment,  when  he  manifests  himself  to  the 
soul  in  a  way  the  world  knows  not  of,  and  often  makes  the  hour 
of  their  sharpest  trials  the  time  of  their  sweetest  and  highest  con- 
solations :  '  As  the  sufferings  of  Christ  abound  in  us,  so  our  con- 
solation aboundeth  by  Christ.'| 

3.  All  dispensations  are  under  his  direction.  He  is  Lord  oi' 
all  and  does  according  to  his  pleasure  among  the  armies  of 
heaven  and  the  inhabitants  of  tlie  earth.  He  is  the  supreme 
disposer, 

1st.  Of  those  external  dispensations  which  are  distinguished  by 
the  nnmejo{ providential. 

(1.)  Tliose  that  are  welcome  and  prosperous  are  both  his  gift 
and  his  purchase.  To  his  people  they  come  free ;  but  he  paid 
dear  for  them.  And  this  gives  them  their  chief  value  in  the 
judgment  of  those  who  know  hiin,  to  receive  them  as  the  pledges 
and  fruits  of  his  redeeming  love.  When  the  blessings  of  common 
providence  are  received  and  enjoyed  as  the  gifts  of  God  recon- 
ciled in  Christ,  they  are  then,  and  not  otherwise,  truly  comforta- 
ble. It  is  this  thought  enables  the  poor  believer  often  to  taste 
a  sweeter  relish  and  flavour  in  bread  and  water,  than  t!ie  volup- 


*Ezek.  xxxiv.  16. 

t  Isa.  xliii.  "i.       1  Pet.  iii.  IT.       Rom.  viii.  20.        2  Cor.  xii.   19. 

i  2  Cor.  i.  0. 


Sor.  7.]  OF    THE    AUTHORITY    OF    CHRIST.  l25 

tuary  ever  knew  in  the  wasteful  profusion  and  studied  refine- 
ments of  luxury.  To  be  able  to  look  back,  and  see  how  the 
hand  of  our  gracious  Lord  has  led  us  from  our  childhood,  chose 
and  managed  better  for  us  than  we  could  have  done,  corrected 
our  mistakes,  and  in  many  things  exceeded  our  desires  ;  to  look 
round  and  see  all  our  concerns  in  his  sure  keeping,  who  delights 
in  our  prosperity,  and  will  suffer  nothing  to  grieve  us  but  what 
he  intends  to  employ  as  means  for  our  greater  advantage  ;  to  look 
forward  and  see,  that  he  has  prepared  still  better  things  for  us  than 
ever  our  eyes  beheld,  or  our  hearts  conceived — how  cheering  are 
these  views!  Those  who  are  thus  stayed  upon  the  Lord  Jesus, 
as  overruling  and  managing  all  their  concerns,  are  not  terrified 
with  every  shaking  leaf ;  '  their  hearts  are  fixed,  trusting  in  the 
Lord.' 

(2.)  Aftlictive  dispensations  are  likewise  of  his  sending.  And 
the  consideration  of  his  hand  in  them,  the  good  he  designs  us  by 
them,  the  assurance  we  have  of  being  supported  under  them,  and 
brought  through  them  ;  according  to  the  degrees  in  which  these 
things  are  apprehended  by  faith,  and  accompanied  with  a  hum- 
bling sense  of  their  own  demerits,  his  people  submit  to  his  ap- 
pointment with  patience  and  thankfulness,  and  say,  after  the  pat- 
tern which  he  has  left  them.  The  cup  which  my  Saviour  puts  into 
my  hand,  shall  I  not  drink  it  ? 

In  brief,  it  is  he  who  appointed  the  time  and  place  of  our  birth, 
and  all  the  successive  connexions  of  our  lives.  Our  civil  and  our 
religious  liberties  are  both  owing  to  his  favour  ;  and  in  these  he 
has  been  peculiarly  favourable  to  us.  '  He  has  not  dealt  so  with 
every  nation.' 

2clly.  The  dispensation  of  grace.  It  is  he  who  raises  up  in- 
struments to  preach  his  Gospel,  appoints  them  their  places,  fur- 
nishes them  with  that  measure  of  gifts  and  sufficiency  which  he 
sees  requisite  and  best.  And  it  is  only  he  that  makes  their  poor 
labours  successful.  He  sends  his  word  to  some,  and  brings  others 
to  his  word  :  and,  in  both  cases,  he  so  makes  use  of  ordinary 
means,  that  to  a  common  eye  he  seems  to  do  nothing,  when,  in 
reality,  he  does  all.  He  brought  St.  Paul  to  Corinth,  and  main- 
tained him  there  a  considerable  time  against  all  the  efibrts  of  his 
enemies.*  He  overruled  the  thoughtless  rambling  of  Onesimus,f 
and  led  him  by  a  way  which  he  knew  not,  to  the  means  by  which 
he  had  appointed  to  bring  him  to  the  knowledge  of  himself.  And 
these  instances  are  recorded  for  our  instruction,  as  specimens  of 
what  he  does  in  the  same  kind  every  day. 

*  Actsxviii.  10.  fPhJl'lt- 

Vol.  II.  17 


130  OF    THE    AUTHORITY    OF    CHRIST.  [Scf.    7, 

3dly.  The  dispensation  of  death.  Our  times  are  in  his  hands. 
He  claims  it  as  his  own  prerogative,*  that  he  keeps  the  key  of 
death  and  the  invisible  state.  None  can  remove  us  sooner,  none 
can  detain  us  a  moment  longer,  than  his  call.  In  this,  likewise, 
he  is  little  observed.  We  charge  death  to  fevers,  frights,  and  falls  : 
but  these  are  only  the  messengers  which  he  sends.  Sin  -ras 
brought  us  all  under  a  sentence  of  death  ;  but  the  moment  and 
the  manner  of  the  execution  befall  us  according  to  his  good  plea- 
sure. Till  then,  though  his  providence  leads  us  through  fire  and 
water,  though  we  walk  upon  the  brink  of  a  thousand  appan-at, 
and  a  million  of  unseen  dangers,  we  are,  in  reality,  in  perfect 
safety.  Having  appointed  St.  Paul  to  stand  before  Cccsar, 
though  the  tempest  greatly  assaulted,  and  seemingly  overpowered 
the  ship  he  was  in,  St.  Paul  was  as  safe  on  the  stormy  sea,  when 
all  probable  hope  of  being  savedf  was  taken  away,  as  Ca?sar 
himself  upon  his  throne.  But  when  his  time  is  come,  in  vain  are 
all  the  assistance  of  friends,  or  the  healing  arts  of  medicines,  to 
procure  the  smallest  respite. 

4thly.  The  dispensation  of  judgment.  '  The  Father  hath 
committed  all  judgment  to  the  [Son  ;'J  and  has  especially  ap- 
pointed a  day  wherein  he  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness 
by  the  man  Jesus  Christ,^  whom  he  hath  ordained.  Then  his 
glory  shall  be  confessed  b}'  all.  Every  eye  shall  see  him,  and 
they  also  that  pierced  him.  Awful  will  the  day  be  to  those  who 
hate  him,  when  he  shall  appear  in  flaming  fire,  to  convince  sin- 
ners of  all  their  ungodly  deeds  which  they  have  committed,  and 
of  all  their  hard  speeches  which  they  have  spoken  against 
him. II  They  must  give  an  account  of  all.  Account,  did  I  say? 
They  can  give  none ;  but  will  be  struck  dumb  before  him,  and 
hear,  with  horror,  their  dreadl'ul  doom,  '  Depart  from  me,  ye 
cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his 
angels.'^ 

But  it  will  be  a  joyful  time  to  his  own  people.  The  clouds  of 
infirmity,  affliction,  and  reproach,  under  which  they  are  now  ob- 
scured, shall  vanish  away,  and  they  shall  shine  forth  like  the  sun 
in  the  presence  of  their  Father.  God,  even  their  own  God,  shall 
wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes.  They  shall  be  glorified,  and 
their  enemies  ashamed.  What  joy  will  fill  their  hearts  when 
Jesus,  the  judge,  shall  own  his  relation  to  them  before  assembled 
worlds,  and  shall  say,  '  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit 
the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.' 
Then  sorrow  and  sighing  shall  be  heard  no  more  ;  but  songs  of 

*Rev.i.  18.  f  Actsxxvii.  04.  tJoIinv.  2£I. 

v>  Actsxvii.  31.  |TJudel5.  f  Matt.  xxv.  41. 


Ser.  7. "I  OF  the  authority  of  christ.  131 

triumph  and  shouts  of  everlasting  joy  shall  take  place,  and  so  shall 
they  ever  be  with  the  Lord. 

How  are  your  hearts  afi'ectcd  with  this  subject  ?  Do  you 
not  expect  that  I  siiould  close  it  with  a  suitable  word  of  appli- 
cation ? 

1.  To  those  who  arc  yet  in  their  sins.  Will  you  not  tremble 
before  this  great  Lord  God  ?  If  these  things  are  not  so,  if  you 
can  prove  that  we  have  followed  cunningly-devised  fables,  go  on 
secure.  But  have  I  not  your  consciences  on  my  side  ?  Do  you 
not  feel  a  secret  foreboding  that  these  are  the  truths  of  God  .'' 
And  dare  you  still  persist  ?  Do  you  not  see  that  you  are  already 
in  his  hands  ^  In  a  moment  he  could  break  you  in  pieces  ;  yet 
he  spares.  He  affords  you  one  opportunity  more.  To-day, 
while  it  is  called  to-day,  hear  his  voice,  lest  to-morrow  should 
surprise  you  into  eternity,  and  the  weight  of  unpardoned  sins 
should  sink  you  into  tlie  lowest  hell.  As  he  has  power  to  punish, 
so,  likewise,  he  is  mighty  to  save.  Believe  his  word  and  live. 
His  obedience  unto  death  is  a  plea  with  which  you  may  approach 
the  mercy-seat.  He  has  power  to  take  away  your  heart  of  stone, 
to  subdue  your  enmity, to  forgive  your  sins ;  and  what  he  does  he 
floes  freely,  without  money,  and  without  price.  You  need  not,  you 
cannot  mend  yourselves  before  you  come  to  him.  If  you  seek 
him,  he  will  be  found  of  you  ;  but  if  you  obstinately  reject  him, 
you  will  perish  under  the  most  aggravated  guilt,  as  sinners  against 
the  light  and  grace  of  the  Gospel. 

2.  You  that  see  your  need  of  a  Saviour,  lift  up  your  heads 
and  rejoice.  Is  he  not,  thus  qualified,  able  to  save  to  the  utter- 
most f  Why  should  }  ou  keep  back,  when  he  bids  you  come  unto 
him  that  you  may  find  rest.''  Could  you  invent  any  invitations 
more  free,  more  full,  than  those  that  are  recorded  in  the  Gospel  f 
Can  you  desire  any  stronger  securit}'  than  the  blood  of  Jesus  and 
the  oath  of  him  that  livtth  forever.^  Do  you  wish  to  know  how 
other  great  sinners  have  succeeded  in  their  application  to  him  ? 
Search  the  Scriptures,  and  read  how  he  saved  Mary  Magdalen, 
the  dying  thief,  the  cruel  jailer,  the  persecuting  Saul,  and  many 
of  those  who  were  actually  concerned  in  nailing  him  to  the  cross. 
Be  patient,  contiuue  waiting  on  him  in  prayer,  and  you  shall  find 
he  has  not  inclined  you  to  seek  his  face  in  vain. 

3.  To  believers  I  hope  this  is  a  comfortable  theme.  You  see 
all  your  concerns  are  in  safe  hands.  He  to  whom  you  have  com- 
mitted your  souls  is  able  to  keep  them.  Jesus,  who  has  all  au- 
thority and  power  in'  heaven  and  in  earth,  vouchsafes  to  be  your 
Shepherd.  What  then  can  you  want  who  are  at  his  providing  ? 
^Vhat  have  you  to  fear  who  are  under  his  protection .''  Why, 
then,  do  vou  so  often  distrust,  so  often  complain  t     It  is  because 


132  THE  GLORY  AND  GRACE  OF  GOD.        [Scr.  8, 

your  faith  is  weak.  Are  you  tempted  to  think  you  could  place 
yourselves  to  more  advantage  than  he  has  placed  you,  that 
you  could  do  better  without  the  afflictions  he  is  pleased  to 
send  you,  that  you  cannot  spare  what  he  takes  away,  nor 
do  well  without  something  which  he  withholds  ?  Reject  all 
such  thoughts  :  they  are  highly  dishonourable  to  your  Sav- 
iour, and  to  your  profession.  Those  who  know  not  God  must 
reason  thus ;  but  you  have  a  covenant-promise,  that  all  things 
are  working  together  for  your  good.  '  This  is  not  your  rest,  it 
is  polluted.'  But  you  will  soon  be  at  home  :  and  then,  when  by 
a  clearer  light  you  look  back  upon  the  way  by  which  the  Lord 
led  you  through  the  wilderness,  you  will  be  ashamed  (if  shame  is 
compatible  with  the  heavenly  state)  of  your  misapprehensions 
while  in  this  dark  world  ;  and  will  confess,  to  his  praise,  that  mer- 
cy and  goodness  surrounded  you  in  every  step,  aiid  that  the  Lord 
did  all  things  well.  What  you  will  then  see,  it  is  now  your  duty 
and  privilege  to  believe.  If  you  sincerely  desire  his  guidance  in 
all  things,  labour  to  submit  to  it.  The  path  which  he  has  mark- 
ed out  for  you  is  difficult,  but  he  has  trod  it  before  you,  and 
it  leads  to  glory.  The  time  is  short.  Yet  a  little  while,  and  you 
shall  receive  the  end  of  your  faith,  even  the  salvation  of  you;f 
souls. 


SERMON  YIII. 


THE  GLORY  AND  GRACE  OF  GOD  REVEALED  IN  JESU« 

CHRIST. 


Matt.  xi.  27. 

AU  things  are  delivered  unto  vie  oftmj  Father  :  and  no  man  knouHh  the  Son, 
but  the  Father:  neither  knoweth  any  man  the  Father,  save  the  Son,  and  he 
to  whomsoever  the  Son  will  reveal  him. 

The  love  we  bear  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  confi- 
dence we  place  in  him,  will  always  be  exactly  proportioned  to  the 
apprehensions  we  form  of  him.  Therefore,  '  to  grow  in  grace, 
and  in  the  knowledge  of  him,'*  are  spoken  of  as  inseparably 
connected.  On  this  account  the  Scriptures  are  frequent  and  full 
in  describing  him  to  us,  that  we  may  have  a  large  acquaintance 
with  his  all-sufficiency,  and  be  delivered  from  our  sins  and  fears* 

*2Pet.ii,  10. 


Ser.  8.]  REVEALED    IN    JESUS    CHRIST.  133 

An  awakened  conscience  that  sees  the  need  of  a  Saviour,  well 
knows  that  the  person  who  can  deservedly  lay  claim  to  its  trust 
must  have  these  three  properties,  power,  authority,  and  intention 
to  save.  How  these  eminently  belong  to  Jesus,  we  learn  from  his 
own  words  here.  Power  belongeth  to  him,  for  he  is  a  divine 
person,  the  Creator,  Possessor,  and  Upholder  of  all  things. 
Authority  is  his,  for  all  things  are  delivered  to  him.  Thus  far 
we  have  proceeded,  and  are  now  to  speak  of  his  intention  or 
office,  the  design  of  his  appearance,  and  for  which  he  is  author- 
ized. This  is  intimated  in  the  close  of  my  text.  We  are  there- 
fore now  to  speak, 

III.  Of  his  office,  summarily  included  in  this  one  thing,  To  re- 
veal the  knowledge  of  God.  '  Neither  knovveth  any  man  the  Fa- 
ther, save  the  Son,  and  he  to  whomsoever  the  Son  will  reveal 
him.' 

The  knowledge  of  God  here  spoken  of,  intends  something 
more  than  merely  to  know  that  there  is  a  God.  Some  faint  ap- 
prehensions of  this  all  men  have  by  nature.  This  great  truth  is 
so  clearly  manifested  in  the  works  of  creation  and  providence, 
that  any  man  would  be  greatly  offended  if  he  was  supposed  to  be 
ignorant  of  it.  But  as  it  is  one  thing  to  know  that  there  is  a  king 
over  the  nation,  and  quite  another  thing  to  know  the  king,  so  as 
to  have  liberty  of  access  to  him,  and  an  interest  in  his  favour;  so 
it  is  in  the  case  before  us.  Our  Lord  did  not  come  to  tell  us  that 
there  is  a  God,  (the  devils  know  this,  and  tremble,) ^but  to  reveal 
to  us  such  a  knowledge  of  God  as  may  stand  with  our  comfort ; 
to  teach  us  how  poor,  guilty,  hell-deserving  sinners  may  draw  near 
to  God  with  hopes  in  his  mercy,  and  call  him  their  father  and 
their  friend. 

Now,  besides  the  revelation  of  this  knowledge  in  the  Old  Tes- 
tament, which  may  be  properly  ascribed  to  Christ,  inasmuch  as 
he  was  the  Lord,  Guide,  and  Teacher  of  his  church,  from  the  be- 
ginning, and  instructed  Moses  and  the  prophets  in  the  things  con- 
cerning himself — 1  say,  besides  this,  (which  was  made  at  sundry 
times,  and  in  divers  manners,  in  a  more  dark  and  imperfect  vvay,) 
our  Lord  Jesus,  through  his  incarnation,  has  vouchsafed  us  a  two- 
fold revelation  of  that  knowledge  of  God  in  which  standeth  our 
eternal  life. 

1.  In  his  person. 

2.  By  his  Spirit. 

1.  In  his  person.  In  this  respect  he  is  said  to  be  '  the  bright- 
ness of  the  Father's  glory,  and  the*  express  image  of  hisf  sub- 
stance.'    That  God  is  great,  and  good,  and  wise,  appears  in  part 

*  Heb.  i.  3.  t  Trjg  'TtotfrKtrswc. 


134  rHE    GLORY    AND    CJRACli    Of    GOD  [Sci*.  8. 

from  Ills  works ;  but  it  is  but  a  small  portion  of  these  attributes  we 
can  spell  out  in  this  way  ;  and  there  are  other  perfections  in  God, 
of  which  we  can  gain  no  certain  knowledge  without  a  further  rev- 
elation. But  would  we  see  a  glorious  display  of  the  great  God, 
let  us  turn  our  eyes  to  Jesus,  and  behold  him,  by  faith,  in  two 
principal  views. 

1.  As  hanging  upon  the  cross.  Could  we  have  seen  this  awful 
transaction,  and  been  in  a  right  frame  of  mind,  we  should  natur- 
ally have  asked  such  questions  as  these,  Who  is  he .''  What  has 
he  done  .''  Had  we  been  told,  This  person,  thus  destitute  and 
tormented,  is  the  beloved  Son  of  God,  who  knew  no  sin,  neither 
■was  guile  found  in  his  mouth  ;  we  must  have  further  asked.  Why, 
then,  was  he  scourged,  wounded,  and  nailed  to  the  tree  ?  Why 
are  those  barbarous  men  permitted  to  mock  his  sufferings.''  Why 
does  he  not  deliver  himself,  and  destroy  his  enemies  ?  The  proper 
answer  to  these  questions  includes  a  revelation  of  the  divine  per- 
fections. 

1st.  Wisdom.  We  had  deserved  to  perish,  but  his  mercy  had 
designed  to  save  us  with  an  everlasting  salvation.  Yet  this  must 
be  in  a  way  worthy  of  himself.  Sin  must  be  punished,  and  the 
honour  of  his  broken  law  vindicated.  How  could  this  be  done, 
and  the  righteousness  of  God  made  to  harmonize  with  our  peace.'* 
A  wisdom  astonishing  to  angels,  is  manifested  in  devising  this 
wonderful  means.  No  sacrifices*  or  offerings,  no  acts  of  obedi- 
pnce  or  mediation,  which  creatures  could  supply,  would  have 
been  of  the  least  avail  when  the  injured  majesty  of  God  demand- 
ed a  satisfaction.  But  the  eternal  Word,  united  to  our  natme, 
afforded  a  propitiation  worthy  of  God,  and  suitable  for  us,  .Jesus, 
by  his  obedience  unto  death,  has  made  an  end  of  sin,-f-  and  brought 
in  an  everlasting  righteousness,  available  for  all  those  who  flee  to 
Jiim,  as  the  hope  set  before  them,  for  refuge  from  approaching 
wrath. 

2dly.  Love.  God  so  loved  the  ivorld.  If  you  ask,  How? 
judge  from  this  instance,  words  cannot  express  it.  He  so  loved 
sinners,  enemies,  rebels,  that,  ibr  their  sakes,  he  abandoned  and 
delivered  up  his  beloved  Son  into  the  hands  of  wicked  men,  per- 
mitted him  to  be  assaulted  by  the  powers  of  darkness  5  yea,  it 
pleased  the  Father  himself  to  bruise  him,  and  to  make  his  soul  an 
offering  for  sin.  This  is  love  without  parallel,  and  beyond  con- 
ception. W^e  can  only  admire  and  say,  '  Behold  what  manner  of 
love  the  Father  hatii  bestowed  on  us.'|  W'hen  Jesus  Christ,  as 
crucified,  is  clearly  apprehended  by  faith,  then  we  have  the  most 
c(mvincing,  the  most  affecting  proof  that  God  is  love. 

'•  H^b.  X.  4-- 7.  i  D^n.  ix.  24.  J  1  Juhii  i'i.  !• 


Ser.    S.]  HKVEALED  IN  JESUS  CHRIST.  135 

3dly.  Justice.  ^V^onder  not  that  God's  own  Son  is  thus  trea- 
ted. He  statidi;in  the  place  of  sinners,  and  therefore  he  is  not,  he 
cannot  be  spared.  The  words  his  enemies*  use  to  his  reproach, 
will,  in  the  lips  of  his  redeemed  people,  be  an  expression  of  his 
highest  praise.  Having  undertaken  to  save  others,  and  being 
determined  not  to  give  up  their  cause,  it  is,  in  that  respect,  abso- 
lutely impossible  for  him  to  save  himself. 

Again,  this  justice,  which  wasonce  as  a  flaming  sword,  to  for- 
bid and  exclude  every  hope  of  salvation  to  fallen  man,  is  now  en- 
gaged in  our  behalf.  For  since  it  has  pleased  the  Father  to 
charge  sin  upon  his  own  Son,  his  wrath  w  ill  turn  away  from  all 
who  believe.  The  immense  debt  is  already  paid,  and  justice  will 
not  exact  it  twice.  From  henceforth  God  is  not  only  gracious 
and  merciful,  butf  just  and  faithful  in  the  forgiveness  of  sin,  and 
declares  his  own  righteousness  in  justifying  the  believer  inJesns. 

2.  The  knowledge  of  God  is  made  known  in  the  person  of 
Christ,  if  we  contemplate  him  ns  reigning  in  gJory.  He  is  no 
longer  a  man  of  sorrows,  oppressed  and  despised.  He  is  now  up- 
on the  throne.  In  him  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  dwells,  and 
from  him,  as  light  from  the  sun,  the  unsearchable  riches  of  his 
goodness  are  communicated  to  indigent,  unworthy  sinners.  All 
the  divine  perfections  shine  gloriously  in  him,  as  the  God-man. 
the  I\Iediator,  who  is  exalted  above  all  conception  and  praise,  and 
doth  according  to  his  will  in  the  arinies  of  heaven,  and  among  the 
iniiabitants  of  the  earth. 

1st.  Grace.  The  great  God  is  pleased  to  manifest  himself  in 
Christ,  as  the  God  of  grace.  This  grace  is  manifold,  pardoning, 
converting,  restoring,  persevering  grace,  bestowed  upon  the  mis- 
erable and  worthless.  Grace  f;nds  tiie  sinner  in  a  hopeless,  help- 
less state,  sitting  in  darkness,  and  in  the  shadow  of  death.  Grace 
pardons  the  guilt,  cleanses  the  pollution,  and  subdues  the  power 
of  sin.  Grace  sustains  the  bruised  reed,  binds  up  the  broken 
hearts,  and  cherishes  the  smoking  flax  into  a  flame.  Grace  re- 
stores the  soul  when  wandering,  revives  it  when  fainting,  heals  it 
wheii  wounded,  upholds  it  when  ready  to  (all,  teaches  it  to  figlit. 
goes  betore  it  in  the  battle,  and,  at  last,  makes  it  more  than  con- 
queror over  all  opposition,  and  then  bestows  a  crown  of  everlas- 
ting life.  But  all  this  grace  is  established  and  displayed  b^'  cov- 
enant in  the  man  Christ  Jesus,  and  without  respect  to  him  a< 
li-'ing,  dying,  rising,  reigning,  and  intercedmg  intlie  behalf  of  sin- 
nc js,  would  never  have  been  known. 

idly.  Power.  The  whole  creation  proclaims  that  power  be- 
longs unto  God.     But  in  nothing  will  his  power  be  more   illustri- 

*  ^VaW.  xxvli.  42.  '■  1  John  i.  9, 


136  THE  GLORY  AND  GRACE  OF  GOD         [Ser.  8, 

ously  displayed  than  in  the  wonders  of  redeeming  love!  What 
power  is  necessary  to  raise  those  who  are  spiritually  dead  in  sin, 
to  soften  the  heart  of  stone,  to  bring  light  out  of  darkness,  and  or- 
der out  of  confusion?  Wherever  his  Gospel  is  faithfully  preach- 
ed, it  is  always  confirmed  by  this  accompanying  power.  How 
quickly,  how  easily,  did  he  change  Saul  from  a  persecutor  to  an 
apostle?  Again,  how  is  his  power  illustrated  by  the  care  he  take 
of  all  who  believe  in  his  name,  affording  to  every  one  of  them 
seasonable,  suitable,  and  sufficient  supplies  in  every  time  ofneed  ? 
So  that  his  weak,  helpless,  and  opposed  people,  are  supported, 
strengthened,  and  enabled  to  hold  on,  and  to  hold  out,  against  all 
the  united  efforts  of  the  world,  sin,  and  Satan. 

3dly.  Bounty.  How  glorious  is  Jesus  in  his  kingdom  !  Exal- 
ted beyond  all  conception  and  praise ;  wearing  upon  his  vesture, 
and  upon  his  thigh,  the  name  that  is  above  every  name ;  and  hav- 
ing all  thrones,  principalities,  and  powers,  obedient  to  his  will,  and 
adoring  at  his  feet.  But  all  his  riches  and  honours  (so  far  as  their 
capacities  can  receive)  he  condescends  to  share  with  his  people. 
He  owns  their  worthless  names,  he  permits  them  to  claim  the  most 
tender  relation  to  him,  and  to  call  him  their  brother,  their  friend, 
and  their  husband.  Yea,  he  says  concerning  them,  'To  him  that 
overcometh  will  I  grant  to  sit  with  me  in  my  throne,  even  as  I  also 
overcame,  and  am  set  down  with  my  Father  in  his  throne.'*  To 
him  therefore,  we  must  look  for  the  most  astonishing  and  affecting 
display  of  the  divine  bounty. 

Thus  the  knowledge  of  God  is  revealed  in  the  person  of  Christ 
by  the  word.  But  great  and  important  as  these  truths  are,  wt 
cannot  receive  and  understand  them  merely  b}'  reading;  The 
Lord  Jesus  therefore  has  favoured  his  Church  with  a  further 
revelation.     That  is, 

II.  By  his  Spirit.  This  was  one  principal  fruit  of  his  ascen- 
sion and  intercession.!  With  the  promise  of  this  Spirit  he 
cheered  his  disciples  when  sorrowing  under  the  apprehension  of 
Ms  departure.  '  It  is  expedient  for  you  that  I  go  away  :  for  if 
1  go  not  awa}',  the  Comforter  will  not  cOme  to  you  ;  but  if  I  de- 
part, I  will  send  him  unto  you.' J  The  offices  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
are  various  as  our  wants  ;  he  teaches,  comforts,  sanctifies,  and 
seals  the  children  of  God  ;  but  he  efiects  all  these  benefits  by  re- 
vealing the  knowledge  of  God,  as  manifissted  in  Christ,  reconcil- 
ing the  world  unto  himself. 

1.  In  convincing  sinners  of  their  lost  estate,  which  is  absolute- 
ly' necessary  to  their  deliverance.  None,  will  prize  the  Saviour 
bnt  those  who  feel  their  need  of  him.     Two  things  are  necessa- 

*Rev.  iii.  21.  f  Acts  ii.  33.  ':  John  xvi.  7. 


r 


Ser.    8.}  REVEALED  IN  CHEIST  JESUS.  137 

ry  to  convince  man  of  his  lost  condition  by  nature  and  practice  as 
a  sinner ;  the  spirituality  of  the  law,  and  the  suflerings  of  Christ ; 
the  one  shows  the  universality  of  sin,  the  other  its  demerit.  But 
these  can  be  truly  discerned  only  by  the  light  of  the  Spirit  of 
Christ.  While  St.  Paul  (who  was  never  absolutely  without  the 
law)  was  ignorant  of  the  law's  spirituality,  '  I  was  (says  he) 
alive.'*  I  had  so  little  knowledge,  both  of  the  law  and  of  my- 
self, that  I  trusted  to  it  for  righteousness,  and  vainly  thought  that 
1  yielded  it  obedience,  and  grounded  my  hopes  of  salvation  there- 
on. '  But  when  the  commandment  came,'  when  the  spirit  ex- 
plained and  enforced  it  in  its  full  extent,  as  reaching  to  the  very 
thoughts  of  the  heart,  and  requiring  an  obedience  absolutely  per- 
fect, '  then  sin  revived,  and  I  died.'  All  my  hopes  vanished  ;  I 
saw  every  principle,  affection,  and  action  polluted,  and  the  cor- 
ruptions which  I  supposed  were  tamed,  broke  forth  with  redoubled 
vigour.  Again,  though  sin  is  declared  to  be  displeasing  to  God 
and  destructive  to  man,  by  all  the  evils  and  miseries  with  which 
the  world  is  filled,  and  all  the  punishments  which  the  righteous. 
Judge  of  all  the  earth  has  inflicted  on  the  account  of  it ;  yet  the 
just  demerit  of  sin  is  not  to  be  learnt  by  the  destruction  of  Sodom, 
or  of  the  old  world,  but  only  from  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  who 
has  borne  the  curse  for  sinners.  Nor  is  it  sufficient  to  know,  his- 
torically, that  he  did  suffer,  and  how  he  suffered.  Where  these 
things  are  not  known  by  the  light  of  the  Spirit,  they  are  no  more 
regarded  than  a  worn-out  tale.  But  where  the  Spirit  of  Christ 
reveals  by  the  word,  the  nature,  cause,  and  end  of  his  sufferings, 
then  sin  appears  exceedingly  sinful.  Nothing  less  than  this  can 
make  the  soul  abhor  it. 

2.  The  Spirit  produces  faith  in  Jesus,  as  having  once  suffered, 
and  now  mighty  .to  save.  His  blood,  his  righteousness,  his  inter- 
cession, compassion,  and  power,  are  pre.>ented  to  the  soul  in  a 
light  which  bears  down  the  objections  of  guilt,  unbelief,  and  Sa- 
tan. Then  the  wounds  made  by  sin  are  healed.  Then  old  things 
pass  away,  all  things  become  new,  all  difficulties  are  solved,  and 
God  is  revealed  experimentally  to  the  soul,  as  holy,  righteous, 
and  true,  in  justifying  the  believer  in  Jesus. 

3.  Those  whom  the  Spirit  thus  comforts,  he  also  seals. f  He 
impresses  the  image  of  Christ  upon  them.  Such  is  the  power  of 
the  viev/s  he  gives  them  of  his  glory,  and  they  are  transformed 
into  the  resemblance  of  their  Lord. J  Though  the  first  traces  of 
this  delineation  are  faint  and  indistinct  in  the  sight  of  men,  yet 
they  nre  perfect  in  kind.  The  Spirit  impresses  feature  for  fea- 
ture, and  grace  for  grace  ;§  and  the  chief  thing  he  designs  and 

*Rom.vii.  9.         fEphe?.  i.  13.         J;  SCor.iii.  IS.         ^  John  i,  16.- 
Vol.  11.  18 


^38  THE  GLORY  AND  GRACE  OF  GOD,  kc.        [ScF.  8. 

effects  by  all  his  subsequent  dispensations  while  the  soul  remains 
in  the  body,  is  to  heighten  and  finish  the  heavenly  signature. 
Together  with  this,  and  in  the  same  degree,  he  seals  and  ratifies 
to  their  consciences  an  interest  in  all  the  promises  of  the  Gospel  j 
and  by  infusing  into  their  hearts  the  temper  of  children,  he  gives 
them  confidence  at  the  throne  of  grace,  enables  them  to  cry,  Ab- 
ba, Father,  and  bears  witness  with  their  spirits  that  they  are  born 
of  God.  Thus  God  is  revealed  not  only  to  them,  but  in  them  ; 
and  they  are  made  conformable  to  him  in  whom  they  believe,  in 
all  righteousness,  goodness,  and  truth. 
Let  me  once  more  address, 

1.  Poor  mourning  souls.  Are  you  seeking  to  Jesus  ?  You 
have  good  reason  :  you  see  he  is  a  mighty  Saviour.  He  is  fur- 
nished with  full  authority,  and  came  expressly,  on  purpose,  to 
save  such  as  you.  He  assures  you  that  none  shall  sincerely  seek 
him  in  vain.  Believe  his  word,  and  dismiss  your  fears.  He  has 
begun  his  good  work  by  revealing  to  you  your  misery,  danger, 
and  helplessness,  by  leading  your  thoughts  to  himself.  He  will 
not  stop  here ;  he  will,  in  due  time,  accompUsh  his  whole  com- 
mission, by  revealing  to  you  that  knowledge  of  God  in  which 
standeth  your  present  peace  and  eternal  life. 

2.  Careless  sinners.  How  greatly  will  your  guilt  be  aggra- 
vated if  you  receive  this  grace  of  God,  the  Gospel  of  salvation, 
in  vain  ?  Do  not  your  hearts  tremble  when  you  think  of  meeting 
the  Lord  Jesus  in  glory  .''  Have  you  an  answer  ready  when  he 
shall  ask  you  why  you  refused  his  instruction,  and  cast  his  words 
behind  you  .'*  The  light  of  truth  has  visited  you,  how  long  will 
you  resist  it  ?  How  long  will  Satan  blind  your  eyes  ?  To  those 
who  accept  not  his  revelation  of  grace,  he  will  be,  ere  long,  re- 
vealed in  flaming  fire.  O  humble  yourselves  before  him,  while 
the  hope  of  mercy  is  yet  afforded  ;  and  pray  lor  the  Spirit  we 
have  been  speaking  of,  that  you  may  be  recovered  out  of  the 
snare  of  the  devil,  and  made  partakers  of  the  knowledge  and  im- 
age of  God. 

3.  Believers.  This  subject  is  the  food  of  your  souls.  You  re- 
member when  you  had  dark,  hard,  and  uncomfortable  thoughts 
of  God  ;  but  you  have  seen  his  glory  in  the  person  of  Christ,  you 
have  received  not  the  spirit  of  the  world,  but  the  Spirit  of  God,* 
that  you  may  know  the  things  that  are  freely  given  you  of  God. 
You  were  once  darkness,  but  now  you  are  light  in  the  Lord.f 
Walk,  then,  as  children  of  the  light ;  remember  your  calling, 
your  privileges,  your  obligations,  your  engagements.  Let  these 
all  animate  you  to  press  forward,  to  endure  the  cross,  to  despise 

^  1  Cov.  ii.  13,  t  Ephes.  v,  8. 


Ser.  9.]  HEAVY  laden  sinners  described.  139 

the  shame.  Lei  it  not  grieve  you  to  suffer  with  Christ  here,  fdt 
hereafter  you  shall  reign  with  him.  The  hour  is  swiftly  ap- 
proaching when  you  shall  be  out  of  the  reach  of  changes  and  sor- 
row for  ever.  Then  '  thy  sun  shall  no  more  go  down  ;  neither 
shall  thy  moon  withdraw  itself;  for  the  Lord  shall  be  thine  ever- 
fasting  light,  and  the  days  of  thy  mourning  shall  be  ended.'* 


SERMON  IX, 


LABOURING  AND  HEAVY  LADEN  SINNERS  DESCRIBED. 


Mat.t.  xi.  28. 
f-^ome  U7ito  me,  all  ye  tliat  labour,  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest. 

We  read  that,  when  David  was  withdrawn  into  the  wilderness 
from  the  rage  of  Saul,  every  one  that  was  in  distress,  or  in  debt, 
or  discontented,  gathered  themselves  unto  him,  and  he  became  their 
captain. f  This  was  a  small  honour  in  the  judgment  of  Saul  and 
his  court,  to  be  the  head  of  a  company  of  fugitives.  Those  who 
judge  by  outward  appearances,  and  are  governed  by  the  maxims 
of  worldly  wisdom,  cannot  have  much  more  honourable  thoughts 
of  the  present  state  of  Christ's  mystical  kingdom  and  subjects  up- 
on earth.  The  case  of  David  was  looked  upon  as  desperate  by 
those  who,  lilveNabal,|:  lived  at  their  eas«.  They  did  not  know, 
or  would  not  believe,  the  promise  of  God,  that  he  should  be  king 
over  Israel  ;  and,  therefore,  they  preferred  the  favour  of  Saul, 
whom  God  had  rejected.  In  like  manner,  though  our  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ  was  a  divine  person,  invested  with  all  aathorlty,  grace, 
and  blessing,  and  declared  the  purpose  of  God  concerning  him- 
self, and  all  who  should  obey  his  voice,  that  he  would  be  their 
king,  and  they  should  be  his  happy  people  ;  yet  the  most  that 
heard  him  saw  no  excellence  in  him,  or  need  of  him  ;  their  por- 
tion and  hearts  were  in  this  world,  therefore  they  rejected  him, 
and  treated  him  as  a  blasphemer  and  a  madman.  A  {ew,  how- 
ever, there  were  who  felt  their  misery,  and  desired  to  venture  up- 
on his  word.  To  these  he  gave  the  freest  invitation.  Those  who 
accepted  it,  found  his  promise  made  good,  and  rejoiced  in  his 
light.     Thus  it  is  still  ;    he  is  no  longer  upon  earth  to  call  us ; 

*Isa.  l.N.iO.  1 1  Sain.  xxit.  5.  (  1  Sam,  xxv,  19. 


i40  HEAVY  LADEN   SINNERS  DESCRIBED.  [Ser.  9. 

but  he  has  left  these  gracious  words  for  encouragement  to  all  who 
need  a  Saviour.  The  greatest  part  of  mankind,  even  in  Chris- 
tian countries,  are  too  happj  or  too  busy  to  regard  him.  They 
think  they  deserve  some  commendation  if  they  do  not  openly 
mock  his  messengers,  disdain  his  message,  and  offer  abuse  to  all 
who  would  press  them  to-day,  while  it  is  called  to-day,  to  hear 
his  voice.  Even  this  treatment  his  servants  must  expect  from 
many.  But  there  are  a  few,  like  David's  men,  distressed  in  con- 
science, deeply  in  debt  to  the  law  of  God,  and  discontented  with 
the  bondage  of  sin,  who  see  and  believe  that  He,  and  He  only, 
is  .able  to  save  them.  To  these  labouring  and  heavy  laden  souls, 
he  still  says,  '  Come  unto  me,  and  I  will  give  you  rest.'  May 
his  gracious  Spirit  put  life  and  power  into  his  own  words,  and  in- 
to what  he  shall  enable  me  to  speak  from  them,  that  they  may  at 
this  time  receive  a  blessing  and  peace  from  his  hands. 
The  text  readily  points  out  three  inquiries  : — 

1.  Who  are  the  persons  here  invited  .'* 

2.  What  is  it  to  come  to  Christ .'' 

3.  What  is  implied  in  the  promised  rest .' 

I.  The  persons  are  those  who  labour  (the  Greek  expresses  toil 
with  weariness")  and  are  heavy  laden.  This  must,  however,  be 
limited  to  spiritual  concerns,  otherwise  it  will  take  in  all  mankind, 
even  the  most  hardened  and  obstinate  opposers  of  Christ  and  the 
Gospel.  For  let  your  consciences  speak,  you  that  account  the 
yoke  of  Christ  a  heavy  burden,  and  judge  his  people  to  be  miser- 
able and  melancholy,  are  not  you  wearied  and  burdened  in  your 
own  way  ^  Surely  you  are  often  tired  of  your  drudgery. 
Though  you  are  so  wedded  and  sold  to  your  hard  master,  that 
you  cannot  break  loose  ;  though  you  are  so  mad  as  to  be  fond  of 
your  chains  ;  yet  you  know,  and  I  know  (for  I  remember  the  gall 
and  wormwood  of  that  state)  that  you  do  not  find  all  that  pleas- 
ure in  your  wickedness  which  you  pretend  to.  So  much  as  you 
affect  to  despise  hypocrisy,  you  are  great  hypocrites  yourselves. 
You  often  laugh  when  you  are  not  pleased,  you  roar  out  your 
boisterous  mirth  sometimes,  when  you  are  almost  ready  to  roar 
with  anguish  and  disquiet  of  spirit.  You  court  the  friendship  of 
those  whom  in  your  hearts  you  despise ;  and  though  you  would 
be  thought  to  pay  no  regard  at  all  to  the  word  of  God,  there  are 
seasons  when  (like  him  you  serve)  you  believe  and  tremble. 
And,  further,  what  visible  burdens  do  you  bring  upon  yourselves  ? 
'  The  way  of  transgressors  is  hard.'-j-  Your  follies  multiply  your 
troubles  every  day.      Confusion  and  uneasiness  in  your  families, 

*  Compare  Luke  v.  5.  John  iv.  C.  where  the  original  word  is  the  same. 
4Prov.  xui.  15. 


3er.  9.3  HEAVY  LADEN  31NNERS  DESCRIBED.  141 

waste  of  substance,  loss  of  health  and  reputation,  discord,  strife, 
sorrow,  and  shame  ;  these  are  the  bitter  fruits  olyour  evil  ways, 
which  prey  on  your  present  hour^,  and  make  your  future  pros- 
pects darker  every  day.  Surely  you  are  weary  and  heavy  laden 
beyond  expression. 

But  this  is  not  the  case  with  others.  You  avoid  gross  vice?, 
you  have  perhaps  a  form  of  godliness.  The  worst  jou  think, 
that  can  be  said  of  you,  is,  that  you  employ  all  your  thoughts, 
and  every  means  that  will  not  bring  you  under  the  lash  of  the 
law,  to  heap  up  money,  to  join  house  to  house,  and  field  to  field  ; 
or,  you  spend  your  days  in  a  thoughtless  indolence,  walk  in  the 
way  of  your  own  hearts,  and  look  no  further  :  and  here  30U  will 
say  you  find  pleasure,  and  insist  on  it  that  you  are  neither  weary 
nor  heavy  laden.  I  might  enlarge  on  your  many  disappoint- 
ments, the  vain  fears  which  are  inseparable  from  those  who  live 
without  God  in  the  world,  and  the  trouble  you  find  from  disorder- 
ly, restless,  and  unsatisfied  passions.  But,  to  wave  these  things, 
I  say  briefly,  that  if  \'0U  are  not  labouring  and  heavy  laden,  then 
it  is  plain  that  you  are  not  the  persons  whom  Christ  here  invites 
to  partake  of  his  rest.  And  though  you  can  rest  without  hini 
now,  think,  O  think  what  rest  you  will  find  without  him  hereaf- 
ter !  If  you  now  say,  Depart,  he  will  then  say.  Depart.  And 
who  will  smile  upon  \ou  when  he  frowns  ?  To  whom  will  you 
then  flee  for  help  ?  or  where  will  you  leave  your  glory  ?  O  that 
it  would  please  him  to  touch  your  hearts,  that,  as  weary  and 
heavy  laden  sinners,  you  might  fall  humbly  at  his  feet  before  his 
wrath  burn  like  fire,  and  there  be  none  to  quench  it  ! 

But  to  proceed  :  let  us, 

1.  Explain  the  terms,  what  it  is  to  labour  and  be  heavy  Jaden.- 

2.  Show  who  are  the  persons  that  answer  this  description. 
First,  The  persons  are  said  to  be, 

1.  Labouring,  toiling,  weary.  This  is  not  hard  to  be  under- 
stood. Weariness  proceeds  either  from  labour  or  from  weakness : 
and  when  these  are  united,  when  a  person  has  much  to  do,  or  to 
bear,  and  but  little  strength,  he  will  soon  be  weary.  Tlie  case  of 
some,  however,  is,  that  when  they  are  tired,  they  can  lav  down 
their  burden,  or  leave  oil'  their  work.  But  these  are  not  onl}'  la- 
bouring, fainting,  weary,  but, 

2.  Heavy  laden  likewise.  As  if  a  man  had  a  burden,  which  he 
was  unable  to  bear  a  single  minute,  so  fastened  upon  him  that  he 
could  not  by  any  means  be  freed  from  it  ;  but  it  must  always 
press  him  down,  night  and  day,  abroad  or  at  home,  sleeping  (if 
sleep  in  such  a  circumstance  was  possible)  and  waking.  How 
would  the  poor  creature  be  wearied  !  How  could  you  comfort 
x)Y  give  him  ease,  unless  you  could  rid  him  of  his  burden  ?     Hov 


142  HEAVY    LADEN    SINNEES    ©ESCRIBED.  [Scr.    9. 

desirable  would  the  prospect  of  liberty  be  to  such  a  one  !  and 
how  great  his  obligations  and  acknowledgments  to  his  deliverer. 

Secondly.  This  representation  is  an  emblem  of  the  distresses 
and  burdens  of  those  who  seek  to  Jesus,  that  they  may  have  rest 
for  their  souls;  nor  can  any  truly  seek  him  till  they  feel  them- 
selves in  such  a  state.  They  may  be  generally  comprised  under 
three  classes. 

1.  Awakened  sinners.  None  but  those  who  have  felt  it  can 
conceive  how  sinners  labour,  toil,  and  faint,  under  their  first  con- 
victions.    They  are  burdened, 

First,  with  the  guilt  of  sin.  This  is  a  heavy  load.  When  Jesus 
bore  it,  it  made  him  sweat  great  drops  of  blood.  It  is  true,  he 
bore  the  weight  of  all  his  people's  sins ;  but  the  weight  of  one 
sin  is  sufficient  to  press  us  down,  if  God  permits  it  to  lie  heavy 
upon  us.  I  suppose  the  best  of  us  can  remember  some  action  or 
incident  or  other  in  our  past  lives,  which  we  would  wish  to  forget 
if  we  could.  Now,  how  would  you  be  distressed  to  have  a  per- 
son sounding  in  your  ears,  from  morning  till  night,  and  every  day 
of  your  lives,  that  worst  thing  that  ever  3-0U  did  ?  Would  it  not 
weary  you  ?  This  is  a  faint  image  of  the  convinced  sinner's, 
state.  When  conscience  is  truly  awakened  it  acts  this  officious 
and  troublesome  part ;  but  its  remonstrances  are  not  confined  to 
one  sin,  it  renews  the  remembrance  and  the  aggravations  of  mul- 
titudes. Nor  is  this  the  voice  of  a  man,  but,  indeed,  of  God,  who 
speaks  in  and  by  the  conscience.  The  poor  sinner  hears  and 
trembles  :  then  the  complaint  of  Job  is  understood  :  '  Thou 
writest  bitter  things  against  me,  and  makest  me  to  possess  the 
iniquities  of  n^y  youth.'*  Do  you  wonder  that  such  a  one  can 
no  longer  take  pleasure  in  worldly  things .''  It  is  impossible,  un- 
less you  could  silence  this  importunate  voice,  that  they  can  bear 
themselves  at  all.  Nay,  often  it  is  so  strong  and  urgent,  gives 
them  such  a  lively  sense  of  what  sin  is,  and  what  it  deserves  from 
a  righteous  God,  that  they  are  almost  afraid  or  ashamed  to  see  any 
person  that  knows  them.  They  are  ready  to  think  that  people 
can  read  in  their  faces  what  passes  in  their  hearts,  and  almost  ex- 
pect that  the  ground  should  open  under  their  feet.  O  how  wea- 
risome is  it  to  be  continually  bowed  down  with  such  a  burden  as 
t4iis  ! 

Secondly,  with  the  power  of  sin.  Perhaps  they  were  once  in 
some  measure  at  ease  in  this  respect :  they  saw  others  whom  they 
supposed  to  be- worse;  and,  therefore,  trusted  in  themselves  that 
they  were  righteous.  But  convictions  rouse  and  inflame  our  sin- 
ful  nattn-os.     St.    Paul  exemplifies  this  by  his  own  case  be/ore 

*  Job.  xiii.  26. 


Ser.  9.]  HEAVY    LADEN    SINNEES    DESCRIBED.  143 

conversion  :  '  I  was  without  the  law  once ;  but  when  the  com- 
mandment came,  sin  revived,  and  I  died.'*  He  never  was  strict- 
ly without  the  law ;  for  he  expected  salvation  by  obeying  it ; 
but  he  was  without  the  knowledge  of  its  spirituality,  demands, 
and  sanction :  and  while  he  remained  thus,  he  was  alive,  that  is, 
his  hope  remained  good,  and  he  was  satisfied  with  his  obedience. 
But  when  the  commandment  came,  when  its  extent,  purity,  and 
penalty  were  brought  home  to  his  conscience,  sin  revived,  and  he 
died.  He  found  all  his  pretensions  to  liberty,  obedience,  and 
comfort,  were  experimentally  confuted  by  what  he  felt  in  himself. 
The  more  an  awakened  sinner  strives  against  his  corruptions, 
the  more  they  seem  to  increase.  This  wearies  him  j  for,  be- 
sides the  greatness  of  the  toil  itself,  he  finds  himself  weak, 
weak  as  water,  weaker  and  weaker.  And  h^  is  not  only  weary, 
but  heavy  laden ;  for  this  likewise  is  a  burden  which  he  cannot 
shake  ofl'.  He  sees  that  he  cannot  succeed ;  yet  he  dares  not 
desist. 

2.  Those  who  are  seeking  salvation  by  tiie  works  of  the  law, 
are  labouring  and  heavy  laden,  engaged  in  what  is  beyond  their 
strength,  and  baffles  all  their  endeavours.  This  may  appear  from 
what  has  been  already  said.  It  is  a  hard  task  to  keep  the  whole 
law  ;  and  nothing  less  will  either  please  God,  if  made  the  gi'ound 
of  justification,  or  satisfy  the  conscience  that  has  any  true  light. 
Those  declarations  of  the  word,  that  '  cursed  is  the  man  who 
continueth  not  in  all  things  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do 
them,'f  and  '  whoso  keepeth  the  whole  law,  and  yet  offendeth  in 
one  point,  he  is  guilty  of  all, 'J  keep  them  in  continual  anxiety 
and  servitude.  The  weakness  of  theti*  flesh  makes  it  impossible 
for  the  law  to  give  a  ground  of  hope  ;  yet,  they  cannot  lay  down 
their  burden,  but  are  compelled  to  renew  the  fruitless  task.  1 
speak  not  of  mere  formalists,  who  go  through  a  round  of  external 
services,  without  meaning  or  design  ;  but  all  who  are  in  a  meas- 
nre  sincere,  finding  themselves  still  followed  with  a  restless  inquiry, 
*  What  lack  I  yet  ?'§  Endless  are  the  shifts  and  contrivances 
they  are  put  to  ;  but  all  in  vain  ;  for,  what  makes  it  worse,  tliey 
always  add  to  this  burden  many  inventions  of  their  own,  as  though 
the  demands  of  the  law  were  too  few. 

3.  Those  who  are  under  temptation.  It  is  a  hard  and  wean- 
some  service  to  be  in  close  conflict  with  the  powers  of  darkness. 
The  leading  branches  of  this  exercise  are, 

1st.  When  the  soul  is  assaulted,  and  as  it  were  filled  with  in- 
sufferable blasphemies.     When  Satan  is  permitted  to  shoot  thest; 

*  Rom.  vii.  9.  f  Gal.  iii,  10. 

t  Jamt*  ii.  10.  ^,  Matt.  \i\.  C§. 


144  HEAVY    LADEN    SINNERS    BESCRIBED.  [Ser.  9. 

fiery  darts,  none  can  express  (not  even  those  who  have  feh  them) 
the  amazement  and  confusion  that  fills  the  mind.  For  a  person 
who  has  received  a  reverence  for  the  name  and  attributes  of  God, 
to  be  haunted  from  morning  to  night,  from  day  to  day,  with  hor- 
rid imprecations,  so  strongly  impressed  that  he  often  starts  and 
trembles  with  an  apprehension  that  he  has  certainly  consented,  and 
spoken  them  aloud  with  his  lips;  this  is  irksome  and  terrifying 
beyond  description. 

2dly.  When  the  foundations  of  faith  and  experience  are  at- 
tacked. Many  who  have  thought  themselves  grounded  in  the 
truth,  who  have  hoped  that  they  had  surely  tasted  that  the  Lord 
is  gracious,  and  have  in  their  first  comforts  been  ready  to  say, 
*  I  shall  never  be  moved,*  thou,  Lord,  of  thy  goodness  hast  made 
ray  mountain  so  strong,'  have  found  themselves  afterwards  at 
their  wits  end,  when  the  enemy  has  been  permitted  to  come  iu 
upon  them  like  a  flood. f  One  black  cloud  of  temptation  has 
blotted  out  all  their  comfortable  evidences ;  and  they  have  been 
left  to  question,  not  only  the  justness  of  their  own  hopes,  but 
even  the  first  and  most  important  principles  on  which  their  hopes 
were  built. 

Qd\y.  When  the  hidden  corruptions  and  abominations  of  the 
heart  are  stirred  up.  And  perhaps  there  is  no  other  way  but  thiw 
of  coming  to  the  knowledge  of  what  our  depraved  natures  are 
capable.  Such  things  a  season  of  temptation  has  discovered  to 
.some,  which  I  believe  no  racks  or  tortures  could  constrain  them 
to  disclose,  though  but  to  their  dearest  friend.  This  subject, 
therefore,  \v\\\  not  bear  a  particular  illustration.  The  Lord's 
people  are  not  all  acquainted  with  these  depths  of  Satan.  As  peo- 
ple who  live  on  shore  have  a  variety  of  trials,  dangers,  and  de- 
iiverances,  yet  know  but  little  of  the  peculiar  exercises  of  those 
who  go  down  to  the  sea  in  ships  ;  so,  in  the  present  case,  there  are 
great  waters,  J  depths  of  temptation,  known  comparatively  to  few. 
Those  who  are  brought  through  them  have  more  to  say  of  the 
^.vonders  of  God  in  the  great  deep  than  others;  and  this  is  his 
design  in  permitting  it,  that  they  may  know  more  of  him,  and 
more  of  themselves.  But  while  they  are  under  these  trials,  they 
are  weary  and  heavy  laden  ;  and  this  burden  they  must  bear  till 
the  Lord  removes  it.  The  help  of  men,  books,  and  ordinances, 
is  sought  and  tendered  in  vain,  till  his  appointed  hour  of  deliver- 
ance draws  near. 

These,  therefore,  convinced,  striving,  and  tempted  souls,  are 
the  persons  to  whom  .Jesus  says,  '  Come  to  me,  and  I  will  give 
you  rest.'     The   purport  of  this  gracious  invitation  we   are  to 

^  Psalm  XXX.  6.  f  Isa.  lix.  19.  t  P3*lm  cvii.  e4- 


Ser.  9.]  HEAVY  laden  sinners  described.  d4ij   ^ 

consider  hereafter.  In  the  mean  time,  rejoice  in  tliis,  Jesus  has 
foreseen  your  cases,  and  provided  accordingly.  He  says,  Come; 
that  is,  believe,  as  he  himself  expounds  it  :  '  He  that  coraeth 
Unto  me  shall  never  hunger  ;  and  he  that  believeth  on  me, 
shall  never  thirst.'*  See  how  his  promises  suit  the  state  you 
are  in. 

1.  Are  you  heavy  laden  with  guilt  ?  The  Gospel  message 
is,  '  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Son  cleanseth  us  from  all 
sin.'f 

2.  Are  you  groaning  under  the  power  of  indwelling  sin  f 
Hear  his  gracious  words  :  '  I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life  ; 
he  that  believeth  in  me,  though  he  were  dead  yet  shall  he  live. 'J 
And  to  the  same  purpose  his  prophet  :  '  He  giveth  power  to 
the  faint,  and  to  them  that  have  no  might  he  increaseth 
strength. '§ 

3.  Are  you  striving  in  the  fire  to  keep  the  law  ?  *  Wherefore 
will  you  spend  your  money  for  that  which  is  not  bread,  and  your 
labour  for  that  which  satisfieth  not  ?^  Forego  the  vain  attempt. 
Is  it  not  written,  '  Christ  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness 
to  every  one  that  believeth  ?^\\ 

4.  Are  you  in  temptation  ?  He  that  says,  '  Come  unto  me,' 
has  been  tempted  himselfjIF  and  knows  how  to  pity  you.  He 
has  power  over  your  enemy,  and  can  deliver  you  with  a  word.** 
Did  he  not  thus  dispossess  Satan  in  the  days  of  his  humiliation  f 
and  if  then,  surely  he  is  no  less  able  now;  for,  since  that  time, 
he  has  gloriously  triumphed  over  the  powers  of  darkness. ff 
And  as  his  arm  is  not  shortened,  neither  is  his  ear  heavy  ;  he 
has  said,  without  exception,  '  Whosoever  cometh  unto  me,  I 
will  in  no  wise  cast  out  ;'J|  and  thousands  who  have  been  in 
your  distress  have  successively  found  that  promise  fulfilled, 
*  The  God  of  peace  shall  bruise  Satan  under  your  feet  shortly.''^^ 

*  John  vi.  35.  t  1  John  i.  7.  \  John  xi.  S§. 

^Isa.  xl.29.  IIRoiu.  X.4.  HHeb.  ii.  18. 

**Marki.  27.  if  Col.  ii.  15.  t^ehn  vi,  .37- 

^^  Rom.  xvi.  28.  Zedi.  in.S. 

Vol.  If.  IS 


SERMON  X. 


OF  COMING  TO  CHRIST 


Matt.  xi.  28. 
Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour,  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest^ 

The  dispensation  of  the  Gospel  may  be  compared  to  the  cities 
of  refuge  in  Israel.  It  was  a  privilege,  an  honour  to  the  nation 
in  general,  that  they  had  such  sanctuaries  of  divine  appointment; 
but  the  real  value  of  them  was  known  to  few.  Those  only  who 
found  themselves  in  that  case  for  which  they  were  provided,  could 
rightly  prize  them.  In  like  manner,  the  Gospel  of  Christ  is  the 
highest  privilege  and  honour  of  which  a  professing  nation  can 
boast ;  but  it  can  be  truly  esteemed  and  understood  by  none  but 
weary  and  heavy  laden  souls,  who  have  felt  their  misery  by  na- 
ture, are  tired  of  the  drudgery  of  sin,  and  have  seen  the  curse  of 
the  broken  law  pursuing  them,  like  the  avenger  of  blood  of  old. 
This  is  the  only  consideration  that  keeps  them  from  despair,  that 
God  has  provided  a  remedy  by  the  Gospel ;  and  Jesus  has  said, 
'  Come  unto  me,  and  I  will  give  you  rest.'  If  they  could  receive 
the  full  comfort  of  these  words,  and  heartily  obey  the  call,  their 
complaints  would  be  at  an  end  ;  but  remaining  Ignorance,  unbelief, 
and  Satan,  combine  in  various  ways  to  keep  them  back.  Some 
will  saj,  '  O  that  I  could  come  !  but,  alas  !  I  cannot.'  Others, 
'  I  fear  I  do  not  come  aright.'  Having,  therefore,  endeavoured 
to  show  you  the  persons  chiefly  intended  here,  under  the  char- 
acter of  those  who  labour  and  are  heavy  laden,  1  proceed  to 
consider, 

II.  What  it  is  to  come  to  Christ.  I  have  observed  in  general, 
that  it  appears  to  have  the  same  signification  with  believing  in 
him.  But,  that  we  may  understand  it  the  more  clearly,  let  us 
inquire, 

1.  How  those  to  whom  he  personally  spoke  these  words,  in  all 
probability  understood  them  ? 

2.  How  far  their  apprehensions  of  them  are  applicable  and 
suitable  to  our  circumstances  .'' 

3.  Whether,  as  we  have  the  same  necessity,  we  have  not  like- 
wise equal  encouragement  to  come  to  him  with  those  who  were 
conversant  with  him  upon  earth  ^ 


Ser.  10.]  OF  COMING  to  christ.  1%7 

1.  It  does  not  appear  that  those  to  whom  our  Levd  spoke  in 
person  were  so  much  perplexed  as  many  are  now,  to  know,  what 
comins;  or  believing  should  mean  ;  he  seems  to  have  l)een  under- 
stood^' both  by  friends  and  enemies.  IVIany  questioned  his  au- 
thority and  right  to  exact  a  dependence  on  himself;  but  they 
seemed  to  be  at  no  difficulty  about  his  meaning.  It  certainly 
implied  more  than  a  mere  bodily  coming  into  his  presence.  He 
was  surrounded,  and  even  followed  by  multitudes,  who  never  came 
to  him  in  the  sense  of  his  invitation.  To  such,  while  standing 
about  him,  he  complained,  'Ye  will  not  come  unto  me,  that  ye  may 
have  life.'f  Therefore,  if  we  consult  what  is  written  of  those  who 
came  to  Jesus  for  relief,  and  obtained  it,  we  may  conclude,  that 
coming  to  him  implies, 

1st.  A  persuasion  of  his  power,  and  of  their  own  need  of  his 
help.  They  knew  that  they  wanted  relief,  and  conceived  of  him 
as  an  extraordinary  person  empowered  and  able  to  succour  them. 
This  persuasion  of  Christ's  sufficiency  and  willingness  was  then, 
as  it  is  now,  afforded  in  different  degrees.  The  centurion  spoke 
with  full  assurance  :  •  Speak  the  word  only,  and  my  servant  shall 
be  healed. 'J  The  leper  more  dubiously  :  '  Lord,  if  thou  wilt, 
thou  canst  make  me  clean. '§  Another,  in  still  fainter  language: 
'  If  thou  canst  do  any  thing,  have  compassion  on  us,  and  help 
^is.'jl  The  faith  of  this  last  was,  as  the  man  himself  acknow- 
ledged, mixed  with  much  unbelief  and  fear  ;  yet  Jesus  did  not 
despise  the  day  of  small  things  :  he  pardoned  his  suspicions,  con- 
firmed his  fluctuating  mind,  granted  him  his  request ;  and  his  case 
is  recorded  as  an  instance  how  graciously  he  accepts  and  cherish- 
es the  feeblest  ellects  of  true  faith  :  '  He  will  not  break  the  bruised 
reed,  nor  q\icnch  the  smoking  flax.' 

Secondly.  An  actual  application.  This  evidenced  their  faith 
to  be  right.  They  did  not  sit  content  with  having  heard  of  him, 
but  improved  it :  they  went  to  him,  told  him  their  cases,  and  im- 
plored his  compassion.  Their  faith  prevailed  against  all  dis- 
couragements. In  vain  the  multitude  charged  them  to  hold  their 
peace  ;^  knowing  that  he  only  was  able  to  relieve  them,  they 
cried  so  much  the  more  a  great  deal.  Even  when  he  seemed  to 
discover  a  great  reserve,""*  they  still  waited,  and  knew  not  how  to 
depart  without  an  answer.  Nor  could  a  sense  of  unworthiness, 
fear,  or  shame,  keep  them  back,f  f  when  once  they  had  a  strong 
persuasion  of  his  power  to  save. 

•'••John  vi.  30.  and  xix.  m.         f  .John  v.  40.  :  Matt.  viii.  8. 

^  Matt.  viii.  2.  H  M.\.k  ix.  22.  1"  Mark x.  48, 

■^^  Matt.  XV.  27.  ff  Msrk  v.  f-T. 


148  OF    COMING    TO    CHRIST.  [Scr.   10. 

Thirdly.  When  he  was  sought  to  as  a  soul-physician,  as  was 
the  case  with  many,  whose  bodily  diseases  he  healed,  and  with 
others  who  were  not  sick,  those  who  came  to  him  continued  with 
him,  and  became  his  followers.  They  depended  on  him  for  sal- 
vation, received  him  as  their  Lord  and  Master,  professed  an  obe- 
dience to  his  precepts,  accepted  a  share  in  his  reproach,  and  re- 
nounced every  thing  that  was  inconsistent  with  his  will.*  Some 
had  a  more  express  and  open  call  to  this,  as  Matthew,  who  was 
silting  at  the  receipt  of  custom,  regardless  of  Jesus,  till  he  passed 
by  him,  and  said,  '  Follow  me.'f  That  word  accompanied  with 
the  power  of  his  love,  won  his  heart,  and  diverted  him  from 
worldly  pursuits  in  an  instant.  Others  were  more  secretly  drawn 
hy  his  spirit  and  providence,  as  Nathaniel,  and  the  weeping  peni- 
tentj  who  silently  washed  his  feet  with  her  tears  ;  and  this  was 
the  design  and  efl'ect  of  many  of  their  bodily  and  family  afflic- 
tions. The  man  who  was  brought  to  be  healed  of  the  palsy, <5> 
received  the  forgiveness  of  his  sins  ;  and  the  ruler  who  first  came 
to  Jesus  with  no  other  view  than  to  obtain  the  life  of  his  SQn,]| 
obtained  much  more  than  he  asked  or  expected.  The  Lord 
afforded  such  an  affecting  sense  of  his  power  and  goodness 
upon  that  occasion,  that  he  from  thenceforth  believed,  with  all 
his  house. 

2.  These  things  are  applicable  to  us.  Jesus  is  no  longer  visi- 
ble upon  earth;  but  he  has  promised  his  spiritual  presence  to 
abide  with  his  word,  ordinances,  and  people,  to  the  end  of  time. 
Weary  and  heavy  laden  souls  have  now  no  need  to  take  a  long 
journey  to  seek  him  :  for  he  is  always  near  them,  and  in  a 
spiritual  manner,  where  his  Gospel  is  preached.  Poor  and 
inconsiderable  as  we  are  in  the  judgment  of  the  world,  I  trust 
we  have  a  right  to  claim  his  promise,^  and  to  believe  that 
he  is  even  now  in  the  midst  of  us.  Therefore,  come  unto  him  ; 
that  is, 

First.  Raise  your  hearts,  and  breathe  forth  your  complaints  to 
him.  Do  you  see  your  need  of  him  ^  Be  persuaded,  and  pray 
to  him  to  assure  you  more  strongly  of  his  power  and  goodness. 
He  is  just  such  a  Saviour  as  your  circumstances  require,  as  you 
yourself  could  wish  for,  and  he  is  able  to  convince  you  in  a  mo- 
ment that  he  is  so.  If  he  is  pleased  to  cause  a  ray  of  his  glory  to 
break  in  upon  your  mind,  your  fears,  and  doubts,  and  griefs,  would 
instantly  give  place. 

Secondly.  Persevere  in  this  application  to  him.  Set  a  high 
value  upon  these  his  public  ordinances,  and  be  constant  in  attend- 

*  Luke  ix.  23— Gl,  f  Matt.  ix.  9.  J  Jolin  i.  46.   Luke  vii.  38, 

^  Markii.  5.  jl  John  iv.  53.  ^  Matt,  xviii.  20. 


Ser.  10.]  OF  COMING  to  christ.  149 

ing  them.  His  eye  is  fixed  upon  us ;  his  arm  is  revealed  amongst 
us.  I  trust  it  is  a  time  of  his  grace,  and  that  every  day  we  meet, 
he  does  something  for  one  or  another  in  the  assembly.  He  has  a 
fixed  time  for  every  one  whom  he  relieves.  He  knew  how  long 
the  poor  man  had  waited  at  the  pool  side;*  and  when  his  hour  . 
came,  he  spake  and  relieved  him.  So  do  you  endeavour  to  be 
found  in  his  way  ;  and  not  here  only,  but  in  whatever  he  has  made 
your  duty.  Read  his  word  ;  be  frequent  in  secret  prayer.  You 
will  find  many  things  arising  from  within  and  without  to  dis- 
courage and  weary  you  in  this  course  ;  but  persist  in  it,  and 
in  good  time  you  shall  find  rest  for  your  souls.  These  are 
the  means  which  the  Lord  has  appointed  you.  Converse  like- 
wise at  proper  opportunities  with  his  people  ;  perhaps  he  may 
unexpectedly  join  you,  as  he  did  the  two  disciples  when  walk- 
ing to  EmmauSjf  and  cause  your  hearts  to  burn  within  you. 
Further, 

Thirdly.  You  are  to  follow  him,  to  take  up  his  cross,  to  make 
a  profession  of  his  name  and  Gospel,  to  bear  contentedly  a  share 
in  the  reproach  and  scorn  which  is  the  usual  lot  of  those  who  will 
live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus,  in  the  midst  of  an  unbelieving  and 
perverse  generation.  You  are  not  only  to  trust  in  him  as  a  priest 
to  atone  for  your  sins,  but  to  receive  and  obey  him  as  your  teach- 
er and  your  Lord.  If  you  are  truly  weary  and  heavy  laden,  you. 
will  be  glad  to  do  this,  and  are  crying  to  him  to  enable  you  ; 
and  you  are  likewise  willing  to  forsake  every  thing  that  is 
inconsistent  with  his  will  and  service.  If  you  are  desirous  to 
come  to  Christ,  it  is  not  grievous  to  you  to  think  of  parting  with 
your  sinful  pleasures  and  vain  companions.  Rather  these  are  a 
part  of  the  burden  from  which  you  long  to  be  freed. 

Come  in  this  way,  and  you  shall  find  rest  for  your  souls.  Are 
any  of  you  thinking — O  that  I  could ! — surely  if  I  had  seen  him 
and  heard  him,  I  should  have  ventured  ;  but  now  unbelief  and 
fear  keeps  me  back.     1  observe,  therefore, 

3.  That  as  we  have  no  less  need  of  Jesus  than  diose  of  old 
who  saw  and  conversed  with  him ;  so  we  have  at  least  equal  en- 
couragement to  come  unto  him.  This  I  think  will  appear,  if  we 
consider  that, 

On  the  one  hand,  the  bodily  presence  of  Christ,  considered  in 
itself,  had  no  peculiar  or  extraordinary  influence  upon  those  who 
saw  him,  but  all  was  wrought  by  the  power  of  his  Spirit ;  the 
same  Spirit  which  is  promised  to  abide  with  his  church  for 
f.ver. 

•"  .Jr)hn  V.  i>.  -  T-ukc  xxiv.  32\ 


150  OF    COMING    TO    CHRIbT.  [Scr.   10, 

1st.  Multitudes  who  saw  and  heard  him  were  unmoved  and 
unconvinced  by  all  the  wonders  of  his  love.  Though  he  spoke 
as  never  man  spoke,  and  went  about  doing  good,  he  was  slighted, 
opposed,  aud  hated,  even  to  the  death.  And  those  who  know  the 
heart  of  man,  and  believe  that  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against 
God,  will  allow  it  highly  probable,  that  upon  a  supposition  he 
should  appear  again  in  the  same  circumstance  of  humiliation,  and 
to  use  the  same  authoritative  freedom  in  vindicating  the  commands 
of  God  from  the  vain  figments,  traditions,  and  customs  of  men, 
he  would  meet  with  little  better  treatment,  even  in  those  countries 
which  are  called  by  his  name,  than  he  did  from  the  proud,  self- 
righteous,  unbelieving  Jews.  We  may  warrantably  suppose  there 
were  many  more  lepers,  blind,  &.c.  in  the  places  where  he  resorted, 
than  those  who  came  to  him  to  be  healed. 

2dly.  Man}'  of  his  professed  disciples,  even  after  they  had  fol- 
lowed him  for  a  while,  turned  back  and  forsook  him.*  We  have 
therefore  the  less  reason  to  wonder  when  we  see  any  give  up  the 
profession  of  the  Gospel,  and  return  to  the  world  again.  It  was 
thus  from  the  beginning;  and  those  who  do  so  now  would  have 
done  so  if  they  had  lived  then.  His  looks,  his  voice,  his  gesture, 
and  even  his  discourses  and  miracles,  could  not  engage  a  single 
person  to  cleave  to  him  with  full  purpose  of  heart,  unless  he  was 
likewise  spiritually  revealed  to  the  eye  of  their  faith,  as  the  image 
of  the  invisible  God,  the  brightness  of  the  Father's  glory,  full  of 
grace  and  truth. 

•Sdly.  Even  his  true  disciples,  who  were  constantly  with  him,  to 
whom  he  had  personall}'  made  the  most  express  and  endearing 
promises,  and  who  sometimes  thought  themselves  assured  beyond 
the  power  of  a  doubt,  yet  could  not  maintain  their  confidence 
Jonger  than  his  spirit  upheld  them.  To  them  expressly,  though 
not  to  them  exclusively,  Jesus  had  said,  '  I  go  to  prepare  a  place 
for  you,'-}-  and  I  will  come  again  to  receive  you  to  myself,  that 
'  where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be  also. 'J  Wiien  he  had  concluded 
that  affectionate  discourse,  their  doubts  and  fears  were  dissipated, 
and  they  could  confidently  say,  '  Now  we  believe  ;'§  yet  it  was 
not  long  before  they  found  his  reply  fulfilled  :  Jesus  said  unto 
them,  '  Do  you  now  believe  ?  The  hour  is  coming  when  you 
shall  be  scattei-ed  every  man  to  his  own,  and  shall  leave  me  alone. '|| 
^'Vill  not  this  instance  convince  you  of  your  mistake,  when  you 
think  you  could  depend  more  on  a  voice  from  heaven  than  on 
the  written  word  ?  The  apostles  had  the  strongest  of  assurance 
imaginable,  the  word  of  the   Lord   Jesus  liimself,   face  to  face  :. 

''■  .fo'm  vi.  GC.  f  John  xiv.  i>.  -  .Inhn  \iv.  H. 

»^  .Tolr.i  .\vi.  ;.;o,  II  Jolin  xvi.  '-Vi. 


'Ser.  10.]  OP  COMING  to  christ.  151 

and  yet  this  wotild  not  support  them  without  renewed  supplies  of 
strength. 

On  the  other  hand,  consider  if  the  loss  of  his  bodily  presence 
is  not  more  than  made  up  to  us. 

1st.  By  the  fuller  manifestation  of  the  H0I3'  Spirit  than  was 
afi'orded  before  his  ascension.  The  Holy  Ghost  was  not  then 
given  in  that  clear  and  abundant  measure  as  afterwards,*  be- 
cause Jesus  was  not  yet  glorified.  While  he  was  with  them 
he  was  their  Comforter  and  Teacher  ;  but  he  told  them,  '  When 
I  depart,  I  will  send  you  another  Comforter,'f  whose  office 
and  abode  with  you  will  be  in  many  respects  so  much  more  ad- 
vantageous, that  on  this  account  it  is  expedient  for  3'ou  that  1 
go  away. 

2dly.  By  the  greater  number  and  variety  of  promises  which 
vye  enjoy.  We  have  not  only  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  Testament 
in  common  with  them,  but  to  us  the  ancient  revelations  of  the  will 
and  love  of  God  are  enlarged,  explained,  applied,  and  confirmed 
by  the  superaddition  of  the  new.  J 

3dly.  By  the  experience  of  multitudes  of  all  ages,  people,  and 
languages,  who  have  gone  before  us,  since  their  time  :  the  cloud 
of  witnesses  to  the  truth  and  grace  of  God,  the  reality  of  eternal 
things,  and  the  victorious  power  of  faith,  is  now  increased  by  the 
concurrent  evidence  of  thousands  and  millions  who  have  over- 
come all  opposition  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  and  the  word  of 
his  testimony. 

4thly.  By  the  proofs  and  living  witnesses  of  his  power  and 
grace  amongst  ourselves.  Are  there  not  many,  with  whom  you 
worship  and  converse  from  day  to  day,  who  can  tell  you  they  were 
even  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins,  but  he  has  quickened  them. 
They  were  once  as  you  are,  labouring  and  heavy  laden,  they 
waited  for  him  long,  had  a  share  in  such  temptations  and  conflicts 
as  you  now  feel,  were  often  at  a  stand,  and  upon  the  point  of  con- 
cluding their  case  to  be  desperate,  as  you  niay  liiink  yours  at 
present ;  but  at  length  they  were  enabled  to  come  unto  him,  and 
they  have  found  rest.  Every  such  instance  should  encourage 
you  to  gird  up  the  loins  of  your  minds,  to  be  patient,  and  hope 
to  the  end.  As  they  have  known  your  troubles,  so  shall  you 
partake  of  their  consolations  in  due  time.  What  is  it  tiion  should 
hinder  you  from  coming  to  Jesus  that  you  may  find  rest .''  What 
exceptions  can  your  unbelief  devise  against  the  invitations,  mo- 
tives, and  examples,  which  the  Lord  sets  before  you  by  his  preach- 
ed Gospel. 

*  John  vii.  S9*  f  John  xiv.  IG.  and  xvi.  7.  j^Eph.  iii.  .':'. 


Jri52  OP  COMING  TO  CHRIST.  £Ser.  10, 

(1.)  Is  it  a  sense  of  your  load  which  makes  you  say  you  are 
not  ablef  But  consider  that  this  is  not  a  ivork,  but  a  rest.  Would 
a  man  plead,  1  am  so  heavy  laden  that  I  cannot  consent  to  part 
with  my  burden;  so  weary  that  I  am  not  able  either  to  stand  still 
or  lie  down,  but  must  force  myself  further  ?  The  greatness  of 
your  burden,  so  far  from  being  an  objection,  is  the  very  reason 
why  you  should  instantly  come  to  Christ,  for  he  alone  is  able  to 
release  you. 

(2.)  But  perhaps  you  think  you  do  not  come  aright.  I  ask, 
how  w  ould  you  come  ?  If  you  can  come  as  a  helpless,  unworthy 
sinner,  without  strength,  without  righteousness,  without  any  hope 
but  what  arises  from  the  worth,  work,  and  word  of  Christ,  this  is 
to  come  aright.  There  is  no  other  way  of  being  accepted. 
Would  you  refresh  and  strengthen  yourself,  wash  away  3'^our  own 
sins,  free  yourself  from  your  burden,  and  then  come  to  him  to  do 
these  things  for  you  ?  May  the  Lord  help  you  to  see  the  folly 
and  unreasonableness  of  your  unbelief. 

I  have  observed  already,  that  coming  to  Christ  signified  more 
at  first  than  nterely  to  come  into  his  presence  :  so,  likewise,  it 
ineans  more  now  than  to  be  found  among  his  worshippers.  Let 
none  of  you  be  deceived  with  a  form  of  godliness.  Examine 
your  religious  profession  by  this  test.  Have  you  laboured  under 
a  sense  of  your  misery?  Have  you  known  the  burden  of  sin? 
Has  Jesus  given  you  rest?  Or  are  you  earnestly  seeking  to  him 
for  it  ?  If  you  understand  not  the  meaning  of  these  questions, 
you  are  not  yet  in  that  state  to  which  the  promises  are  made. 
And  why  are  you  not  labouring  and  heavy  laden  ?  Are  you  not 
sinners  ?  Has  not  the  righteous  God  revealed  a  law  ?  Has  he 
not  guarded  this  law  with  the  sanction  of  a  dreadful  curse  ? 
Have  you  not  transgressed  this  holy  law  in  thought,  word,  and 
deed,  times  without  number  ?  If  you  have  not,  why  do  you  join 
in  the  public  confession,  and  call  for  mercy  when  the  command- 
ments are  repeated  ?  If  you  have,  how  will  you  escape  the  pen- 
alty ?  How,  indeed,  if  you  dare  to  neglect  this  great  salvation  ? 
The  law  condemns  you  already ;  if  you  receive  not  the  Gospel 
you  must  perish  without  remedy  :  for  other  name  or  means 
whereby  men  can  be  saved  there  is  none  under  heaven.  Once 
more  you  are  warned  of  danger ;  once  more  the  refuge  is  set  be- 
fore you.  We  preach  Jesus,  who  came  to  seek  and  to  save  those 
who  were  lost  ;  Jesus,  who  was  wounded  with  whips,  and  thorns, 
and  nails,  that  his  enemies  might  be  healed.  Does  not  this 
thought  affect  you  ?  Will  you  slight  his  love,  despise  his  blood, 
and  crucify  him  afresh  ?  God  forbid  !  Is  there  not  some  heart 
now  relenting,  beginning  to  feel  impressions  of  fear,  shame,  and 
grief?    Happy  beginning  !    Obey  the  voice  of  God  now  opening 


^er.  11.]  OP    BEUEVERS'  REST    IN    CHklSf.  l63 

In  your  conscience  !  Now  is  the  time  to  pray;  before,  you  knew 
not  what  to  pray  for  :  but  now  you  see  you  want  the  blood  of 
Christ,  and  the  teaching  of  his  Spirit.  '  Ask,  and  you  shall  re- 
ceive ;  and  seek,  and  you  shall  iind.'  Take  your  warrant  from 
my  text ;  Jesus  has  said,  '  Come  unto  me,  and  1  will  give  you 
rest.'  Let  your  hearts  answer,  '  Take  away  our  iniquity,  and  re- 
ceive us  graciously  :  Beliold  we  come  unto  thee,  for  thou  art  the 
Lord  our  God  ;  and  in  thee  the  fatherless,  the  helpless  the  com- 
fortless, find  mercy.' 


SERMON  XI 


©N  THE  PRESENT  AND  FUTURE  REST  OF  BELffiVERS  IN 

CHRIST. 


/ 


Matt.  xi.  £8. 


y 


CHonic  unto  inc,  all  ye  that  labour,  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  itill  give  you  rest,  / 

The  learned  have  a  variety  of  arguments  whereby  to  prove* 
the  Scripture  to  be  the  word  of  God.  But  though  that  kind  of 
proof,  which  may  be  brought  in  a  way  of  reasoning  and  externq^l 
evidence,  is  doubtless  useful  upon  proper  occasions  ;  yet,  I  appre- 
hend, the  chief  and  most  satisfactory  argument  to  those  who  are 
capable  of  receiving  it,  arises  from  the  correspondence  between 
the  subject-matter  of  the  Scripture,  and  the  state  of  an  awakened 
mind.  When  the  eyes  of  the  understanding  are  opened  we  begin 
to  see  everything  around  us  to  be  just  so  as  the  Scripture  has 'vde- 
scribed  them.  Then,  and  not  till  then,  we  perceive  that  what  yVf 
read  in  the  Bible  concerning  the  horrid  evil  of  sin,  the  vileness  of 
our  fallen  nature,  the  darkness  and  ignorance  of  those  who  know 
not  God,  our  own  emptiness,  and  the  impossibility  of  finding  re- 
lief and  comfort  from  creatures,  is  exactly  true.  We  cannot  but 
apply  the  words  of  the  woman,  and  say.  Come*  and  see  a  book 
that  has  told  me  all  that  ever  I  did,  the  ground  of  all  my  com- 
plaints, the  true  cause  and  nature  of  all  the  evil  I  either  see,  hear, 
or  feel,  from  day  to  day.  And  as  we  find  our  disease  precisely 
described,  so  we  perceive  a  suitableness  in  the  proposed  remedy. 
We  need  a  Saviour,  and  he  must  be  a  mighty  ene;  but  though 

i*  John  iv.  29. 

Vol.  Ih  20 


154  OF  believers'  rest  in  CHRIST.  [Sei*.  13 

our  wants  and  sins,  our  fears  and  enemies  are  great  and  numerous, 
we  are  convinced  that  the  character  of  Christ  is  sufficient  to  an- 
swer them  all.  We  need  a  rest,  a  rest  which  the  world  cannot 
give.  Inquire  where  we  will  among  the  creatures,  experience 
brings  in  the  same  answer  from  all,  It  is  not  in  me.  This  again 
confirms  the  word  of  God,  which  has  forewarned  us  that  we  shall 
meet  nothing  but  disappointment  in  such  pursuits,  but  there  is  a 
spiritual  rest  spoken  of  which  we  know  to  be  the  very  thing  we 
want,  and  all  our  remaining  solicitude  is  how  to  attain  it.  From 
hence,  as  I  said,  we  may  assuredly  conclude,  that  the  book  which 
gives  us  suchjust  views  of  every  thing  that  passes,  must  be  given  by- 
inspiration  from  him  who  is  the  searcher  of  hearts.  This  proof 
is  equally  plain  and  conclusive  to  all  capacities  that  are  spiritually 
enlightened,  and  such  only  are  able  to  understand  it.  We  are 
now  to  speak, 

III.  Of  this  promised  rest.  And  here  two  things  offer  to  our 
consideration. 

1.  What  this  rest  is  ? 

2.  How  it  is  obtained  ? 

1.  The  Greek  word  avawauCw  expresses  something  more  than 
rest,  or  a  mere  relaxation  from  toil ;  it  denotes  refreshment  like- 
\  wise.  A  person  weary  with  long  bearing  a  heav^'  burden,  will 
\need  not  only  to  have  it  removed,  but  likewise  he  wants  food  and 
refreshment,  to  restore  his  spirits,  and  to  repair  his  wasted  strength. 
Such  is  the  rest  of  the  Gospel.  It  not  only  puts  a  period  to  our 
jruitless  labour,  but  it  affords  a  sweet  reviving  cordial.  There  is 
iiotonly  peace,  but  joy  in  believing.  Taken  at  large,  we  may 
consider  it  as  twofold. 

1st.  A  present  rest.  So  the  apostle  speaks,  '  We  who  have 
believed  do  enter  into  rest.' - 

(1.)  The  common  wearisome  pursuit  of  the  world  is  described, 
as  'spending  their  money  for  thai  which  is  not  bread,  and  their 
labour  for  that  which  satisfieth  not  ,'f  wandering  from  object  to 
object  in  quest  of  good, J  but  still  mortified  by  incessant  and  re- 
peated disappointment.  We  should  pity  a  person  whom  we  should 
see  seeking  some  nece^ssary  thing  day  after  day,  which  we  knew 
was  impossible  to  be  found  there.  It  is,  "however,  the  case  with 
all  till  they  come  to  Christ.  Satisfaction  is  what  they  profess  to 
aim  at,  and  they  turn  every  stone,  (as  we  say,)  try  every  expedi- 
ent, to  meet  with  it,  but  in  vain.  It  is  only  to  be  found  in  him. 
When  they  come  to  him,  their  wishes  are  answered.  This  is  ex- 
emplified by  our  Lord  in  the  character  of  a  merchant-man  seek- 
ii>g  goodly  pearls,§   who  was  still  upon  the  inquiry  till  he  had 

*  Heb.  iv.  3.  +  Isa.  Iv.  2.  +  Ps.  iv.  C.  vn  Matt.  xiii.  46, 


Ser.  11.]  OF  believers'  rest  in  christ.  155 

found  one  pearl  ofgrcat  price.  Tliis  answered  and  exceeded  his 
desires  :  upon  the  discovery  of  this  one,  lie  rejoiced  to  forego  all 
his  former  acquisitions,  and  to  give  up  every  other  possession  or 
purpose,  that  he  might  obtain  it. 

(2.)  I  have  spoken  something  concerning  the  wearisome  exer- 
cise of  a  conscience  burdened  with  guilt  :  l)ut  by  coming  to  Jesus, 
and  believing  in  him,  an  end  is  put  to  this.  When  we  are  ena- 
bled to  view  our  sins  as  laid  upon  Christ,  that  those  who  come 
are  accepted  in  the  Beloved,  that  there  is  no  more  condemnation, 
but  pardon,  reconciliation,  and  adoption  are  the  sure  privileges 
of  all  who  trust  in  him;  O  the  sweet  calm  that  immediately  takes 
place  in  the  soul  !  It  is  something  more  than  deliverance. 
There  is  a  pleasure  more  than  answerable  to  the  former  pain,  a 
comfort  greater  than  all  the  trouble  that  went  before  it.  Yea, 
the  remembrance  of  the  former  bitterness  greatly  enhances  the 
present  pleasure.  And  the  soul  understands  and  experiences  the 
meaning  of  those  Scriptures,  '  When  the  Lord  turned  tJie  captivi- 
ty of  Zion,  then  was  our  mouth  filled  with  laughter,  and  our 
tongue  with  singing.'*  '  In  that  day  thou  shalt  say,  O  Lord,  I 
will  praise  thee  :  though  thou  wast  angry  with  me,  thine  anger 
is  turned  away,  and  thou  comfortcdst  me.  Behold,  God  is  my 
salvation  ;  I  will  trust,  and  not  be  afraid  ;  for  the  Lord  Jehovah 
is  my  strength  and  my  song  ;  he  also  is  become  my  salvation.'! 

(3.)  There  is  likewise  a  rest  from  the  power  of  sin.  In  vaiu 
IS  this  sought  from  resolutions  and  endeavours  in  our  own 
strength.  Even  after  we  are  spiritually  disposed,  and  begin  to 
understand  the  Gospel  salvation,  it  is  usually,  for  a  season,  rather 
a  fiir/it  than  a  )-csf.  But  when  we  are  brought  nearer  to  Christ, 
and  taught  to  live  upon  him  as  our  sanctification,  deriving  all  our 
strength  and  motives  from  him  by  faith,  we  obtain  a  comparative 
rest  in  this  respect  also.  We  tlnd  hard  things  become  easy,  and 
mountains  sink  into  plains,  by  his  power  displayed  in  oin  behalf 
FurthcK, 

(4.)  There  is  a  rest  from  our  own  works.  The  believer  i^ 
quite  delivered  from  the  law  as  a  covenant,  and  owes  it  no 
longer  service  in  that  view.  His  obedience  is  gracious,  cheer- 
lul,  the  efl'ect  of  love  ;  and  therefore  he  is  freed  from  those  fears 
and  burdens  which  once  distm-bed  him  in  the  way  of  duty.  At 
first  there  was  a  secret,  though  unhallowed  dependence  on  him- 
self When  his  frames  were  lively,  he  was  strong,  and  thought  he 
liad  something  to  trust  to,  but  under  a  change  (and  changes  will 
happen)  he  was  at  his  wit's  end.  But  there  is  a  promised,  and 
therefore  an  attainable  rest  in  this  respect  ;  a  liberty   and  powpr 

«^  Psahn  cxx  \  i.  1 ,  2.  f  Is^>.  Kii.  1 , 2. 


156  OF  believers' REST  IN  CHRIST.  [Ser.   11, 

to  repose  on  the  finished  work  and  unchangeable  word  of  Christ; 
to  follow  him  steadily  through  light  and  darkness  ;  to  glory  io 
him  onJy,  when  our  frames  are  brightest ;  and  to  trust  in  him  as- 
suredly, when  we  are  at  our  lowest  ebb. 

Such  is  the  present  rest  ;  in  dillerent  degrees  according  to  the 
proportion  of  faith,  and  capable  of  increase   even  in  those  who 
have  attained  most,  so  long  as  we  remain  in  this  imperfect  state 
But  there  is, 

2dly,  A  future  rest  besides  and  beyond  all  that  can  be  experi- 
enced here  :  '  There  remaineth  3'et  a  rest  for  the  people  of  God.'* 
Faint  and  imperfect  are  our  most  enlarged  ideas  of  that  glory 
which  shall  be  revealed.  '  It  does  not  yet  appear  what  we  shall 
be.'f  Who  can  describe  or  conceive  the  happiness  of  heaven  .'' 
The  most  we  can  clearly  understand  of  it  lies  in  negatives.  It 
will  be  as  unlike  as  possible  to  this  wilderness  of  sin  and  sorrow 
where  we  are  now  confined.  Here  we  are  in  a  warfare,  but  then 
we  shall  enter  into  perfect  rest. 

(1.)  A  rest  from  all  sin.  There  no  unclean  thing  shall  defile 
er  disturb  us  for  ever.  We  shall  be  free  from  sin  in  ourselves. 
This  alone  would  be  worth  dying  for.  Indwelling  sin  is  a  burden 
under  which  even  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  must  groan  whilst 
they  sojourn  in  the  body  ;  and  those  who  are  most  spiritual,  are 
most  deeply  affected  with  shame,  humiliation,  aad  grief,  on  this 
account,  because  they  have  the  clearest  views  of  the  holiness  of 
God,  the  spirituality  of  the  law,  the  love  of  Christ,  and  the  deceit- 
fulness  of  their  own  hearts.  Therefore  the  apostle  Paul,  though 
perhaps  in  grace  and  talents,  in  zeal  and  usefulness,  distinguished 
above  all  the  children  of  Adam,  accounted  himself  the  chief  of 
sinners,  J  less  than  the  least  of  all  saints,§  and  cried  out,  under  the 
disparity  he  felt  between  what  he  was  and  what  he  would  be,  '  O 
wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who  shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of 
this  death  .'^'11  But  we  shall  not  carry  this  burden  beyond  the 
grave.  The  hour  of  dissolution  shall  free  us  from  the  inbred  en- 
emies (the  inseparable  concomitants  of  this  frail  perishing  nature) 
which  now  trouble  us,  and  we  shall  see  them  no  more  for  ever. 

Again,  we  shall  be  free  from  all  the  displeasing  effects  of  sin  in 
others.  Our  hearts  shall  be  no  more  pained,  nor  our  ears  wound^ 
ed,  nor  our  eyes  filled  with  tears,  by  those  evils  which  fill  the 
earth.  Now,  like  Lot  in  Sodom,  we  are  grieved  every  day  with 
the  filthy  conversation  of  the  wicked.^  Who  that  has  any  love 
to  the  Lord  Jesus,  any  spark  of  true  holiness,  any  sense  of  the 
worth  of  souls  in  his  heart,  can  see  what  passes  amongst  us  with-> 

*  Heb.  iv.  9.  f  1  John  iii.  2.  j  1  Tim.  i.  15. 

^  Eph.  iif.  R.  ![  R0.11.  vii,  24.  !i  2.  Pet.  ii.  7. 


Ser-  11.]  OF  believers'  rest  in  christ.  15^ 

out  trembling  ?  How  openly,  daringly,  almost  universally,  are 
the  commandments  of  God  broken,  his  Gospel  despised,  his  pa- 
tience abused,  and  his  power  defied.  To  be  a  silent  spectator  of 
these  things  is  sufliciently  grievous ;  but  if  (as  we  are  in  duty 
bound)  we  dare  to  stand  as  witnesses  for  God  in  the  midst  of  a 
crooked  and  perverse  nation,  we  find  the  spirit  of  the  first  born. 
Cain  instantly  takes  fire,  and  denounces  war  against  all  who 
should  presume  to  say  that  we  ought  to  obey  and  fear  God  rath- 
er than  men.  Invectives  and  ill  treatment  are  the  certain  lot  of 
all  who  openly  and  consistently  appear  on  the  Lord's  side  ;  and 
if  they  escape  stripes  and  bonds,  imprisonment  and  death,  it  is  to 
be  ascribed  to  the  restraints  of  Divine  Providence,  and  (as  a 
means  in  our  happy  land)  to  the  temper  of  the  laws,  and  to  the 
clemency  of  the  powers  under  whom  we  live.  These  things  often 
constrain  the  believer  to  say,  '  O  that  I  had  wings  like  a  dove  [ 
for  then  would  I  flee  away  and  be  at  rest.'*  Let  us  not  be  wea- 
ry or  faint  in  our  minds  :  ere  long  this  wish  shall  be  answered. 
A  glorious  rest  awaits  you,  where  sin  and  sinners  shall  have  no 
place,  nor  the  alarms  of  war  be  any  more  heard. 

(2.)  A  rest  from  outward  afflictions,  which,  though  necessary, 
and,  under  the  influence  of  divine  grace,  profitable,  are  grievous 
to  bear  ;  but  then  they  will  be  necessary  no  more.  Where  there 
is  no  sin  there  shall  be  no  sorrow.  Then,  believers,  God  '  shall 
wipe  away  all  tears  from  your  eyes  ;  and  there  shall  be  no  more 
death,  neither  sorrow,  nor  crying,  neither  shall  there  be  any  more 
pain  :  for  the  former  things  are  passed  away.'f 

(3.)  A  rest  from  Satan's  temptations.  How  busy  is  this  ad- 
versary of  God  and  man,  what  various  arts,  what  surprising  force, 
what  constant  assiduity  does  he  employ  to  ensnare,  distress,  and 
terrify  those  who  by  grace  have  escaped  from  his  servitude.  He 
says,  like  Pharaoh  of  old,  '  I  will  pursue,  I  will  overtake,  I  will 
destroy.'!  He  follows  them  to  the  last  stage  of  life,  but  he  can 
follow  them  no  further.  The  moment  of  their  departure  out  of 
tho  body  shall  place  them  beyond  his  reach  for  ever. 

(4.)  A  rest  from  unsatisfied  desires.  Here,  the  more  we  drink, 
the  more  we  thirst :  but  there  our  highest  wishes  shall  be  crown- 
ed and  exceeded  ;  we  shall  I'est  in  full  communion  with  him  whom 
we  love  ;  we  shall  no  more  complain  of  interruptions  and  imper- 
fections, of  an  absent  God,  and  a  careless  heart.  Here,  when  we 
obtain  a  little  glimpse  of  his  presence,  when  he  brings  us  into  his 
banqueting-house,  and  spreads  his  banner  of  love  over  us,  how 
(?ladly  would  we  remain  in  such  a  desirable  frame  ?  How  unwil- 
Jing  are  we  to  come  out  of  the  mount?     But  these  pleasing  sea- 

*Ps.Jv.  6.  fRev.  x.\i.4.  ^  Esocl.  xv.  9.. 


i6b  OF  B'KbJtVERs'  REST  IN   CUUlST.  fScf.    11. 

sons  firo  quickly  mulctl,  and  often  give  place  to  some  snddni,  un- 
expected trial,  which  rohs  us  of  all  that  sweetness  in  which  we 
lately  rejoiced.  But  when  we  ascend  the  holy  hill  of  Go»l  ahove, 
\vc  shall  come  down  no  more  ;  we  shall  he  for  ever  with  the  Lord, 
never  ollcnd  him,  never  he  separated  from  him  attain.  We  shall 
likewise  rest  in  full*  conformity  (o  him.  Here  we  fuul  a  mixture 
of  evil  in  our  best  mouients  ;  when  we  approach  nearest  to  him, 
we  have  the  quickest  sense  of  our  defilement,  and  how  much  wc 
fall  short  in  every  branch  of  duty,  in  every  temper  of  our  hearts: 
but  when  we  shall  see  Jesus  as  he  is,  we  shall  be  fully  transform- 
ed into  his  image,  and  be  perl'ectly  like  him. 

2.  IJut  how  is  this  rest  to  be  obtained  ?  Blessed  be  God,  in 
that  way  which  alone  can  render  it  attainable,  by  such  unworthy, 
indigent  creatures.  If  it  was  to  be  bought,  we  have  nothing  to 
offer  for  it  ;  i(  it  w.is  proposed  as  a  reward  of  merit,  we  can  do 
nothing  to  deserve  it.  Hut  .Tesus  has  said,  1  will  fnVr  you  rest. 
Oiw  title  to  it  cost  him  dear  ;  he  purehused  it  for  us  with  his  own 
blood  ;  but  to  us  it  comes  freely.  Faith  in  his  name  puts  us  in 
immediate  possession  of  the  iirst-fruils,  the  earnest  of  this  inher- 
itance ;  and  faith  will  lead  us  powerfully  and  safely,  through  all 
liindrances  and  enemies,  to  the  full  enjoyment  of  the  whole. 
Faith  unites  us  to  (Christ ;  giv<\s  us  an  immediate  interest  in  all  the 
bcnelils  of  his  life,  death,  and  intercession  ;  opens  the  way  o' 
connnunication  i'ov  all  needful  su|iplies  of  grace  here,  and  ensures 
tons  the  accomplishment  of  all  the  Lord  has  spoken  to  us  of,  in  a 
state  of  glory.  '  He  that  believeth  shall  be  saved  ;'-|-  saved  in  de- 
fiance of  all  the  opposition  of  earth  and  hell  ;  saved,  notwith- 
standing he  is  in  himsell'  unstable  as  watiM",  weak  as  a  bruised 
reed,  and  helpless  as  infiincy.  What  Jesus  will  give,  none  can 
take  aw.ay.  Only  remember  that  it  is  a  tree  gift.  Receive  it 
Uiankt'ully,  and  rejoice  in  the  giver.  Let  him  have  all  the  glory 
of  his  own  undertaking,  lienounce  every  hope  and  every  plea 
but  his  promise  and  mediation.  Commit  your  souls  to  him.  and 
then  (ear  nothing.  '  The  eternal  (lod  is  your  refuge,  and  under- 
neath are  the  everlasting  arms.'|  He  will  light  your  battles,  heal 
your  wounds,  refresh  your  fainting  spirits,  guide  you  by  his 
counsel  while  here,  and  at  last  receive  yon  to  himself. 

IMay  we  not  therefore  say,  Happy  are  the  people  llial  are  in 
svieh  a  case!  Hapjn  they  who  have  been  <Miabled  to  accept  this 
gracious  invitation,  who  ha\e  already  entered  upon  the  rest  of 
grace,  and  have  a  well-grounded  (expectation  that  they  shall  r(>st 
in  glory  !  Believers,  what  >hoidil  you  fear,  or  why  conjplain  i 
Look  back  to  where  the  Lonl  found  you  sleeping  in  sin,  helpless 

■^  Ps.  xvii.  15.  fMiuk  xvi.  10.  [  Doiit.  xxsiii.:: 


Sei"      IJ.J  C#V    fcKLItVERs'   REST   IM  CMHIST.  I  f^ 

and  hop^lftss,  jf;t  in9^n<tihle  of  your  danger ;  look  forward  (o 
what  he  has  providf-d  for  yon^  an  inherltancft  incomiptihle,  umfc- 
filed,  and  that  fadeth  not  away;  a  crown  of  life,  a  kingdom  that 
cannot  F>e  >haken  ;  think  of  the  love,  the  suffer  in  jrs,  the  jrlorv  of 
birn  to  whom  yon  owe  these  bleMinsr?  ;  and  let  these  coTi<id^ra- 
tions  animate  yon  to  ron  with  patience*  and  thankfulness  the  ncc 
that  is  set  before  you. 

flappy,  likewise,  are  yon  whose  hearts  are  fixed  upon  this  rest 
and  thi^  Saviour,  thonjrh  as  yet  you  are  in  heaviness  throoffh 
manifold  U  rnptations.  The  f^ord  will  give  you  rest.  Dfiubt  it 
not,  be  cannot  (leny  himself ;  wait  his  hour  ;  though  he  seems  to 
tarry  long,  yet  maintain  your  eonfideme  in  his  promise.  Red^'m- 
ble  your  prayers,  ery  mightily  to  him,  he  will  not  (as  perhaps  ma- 
ny around  you  do)  rebuke  your  importunity,  and  charge  you  tr> 
hold  your  peace,  ijfxtk  fit  the  generations  of  old,  and  see,  (h6 
*  ver  any  tni^t  in  the  f»rd  and  was  confounded  f  or  did  aoy 
abide  in  bis  ff^r  <infl  was  forsaken.'  or  whom  did  be  ever  de^^piJe 
that  called  upon  hiffr .' 

And  you  who  are  yet  strangers  to  rest,  sire  tbos  far  bappy,  that 
you  are  still  spared,  and  have  the  Gosf)el  continued  to  you 
The  Ix<rd  i>;  still  waitincf  Ut  be  gracious  ;  he  says  to  all,  Coroe 
into  me  and  ye  shall  firyl  rest  for  your  souls.  Do  you  not  see 
H)is  rest  desirable  f  Wbat  rest,  either  here  or  hereafter,  can  yoti 
expect,  if  yoo  remain  in  the  service  of  siin  'f  Why  may  not  you 
obtain  your  rd>erty  f  Yon  are  no  worse  than  others,  either  by 
nature  or  practice.  Though  you  have  been  trans gressrn's  from 
the  womb,  you  are  not  excluded  if  yon  do  not  exclude  yourselveri; 
though  your  sinful  habits  and  inclinations  are  exceeding  strong, 
he  is  able  to  subdue  them.  There  is  a  power  in  his  blood,  and 
in  that  Spirit  which  he  is  exalted  to  bestOT)^  sufficient  to  make  the 
Kthiopian  change  his  skin,  and  the  leopard  his  spots, f  to  soften 
the  hardest  heart,  and  to  pardon  the  mou  aggravated  guilt,  acd 
to  enai>le  tlK>se  to  do  good  who  f»ave  been  accustomed  to  do  evil. 
Arise  !  he  calletli  you.  O  may  he  accompany  the  outward  call 
of  hi*  word  with  the  efficacious  power  of  hi?  grace,  that  you  may 
this  instant  obey  his  voice,  and  flee  to  him  tor  refuge  .''  Whither 
can  you  flee  else  f  Who  but  Jesus  can  save  you  from  the  wrath 
to  come.''  He  wi^e  and  delay  no  longer,  'Hut  if  ye  will  not 
i.ear,  mine  eye  shall  weep  for  yoo  in  secret  places.'|  If  yon  will 
not  come  U>  ./e*us  for  life,  you  must  die.  If  yoo  are  out  of  ClirMt, 
Cod  is  angry  witli  you  every  flay.  The  curse  of  his  broken  la»r 
lies  heavy  upon  vou  wlietberyou  are  asleep  or  awake,  abroad  or 
at  home,  at  the  market  or  in  the  church.     The  wrath  of  God  h 

*  Hefe.  *ii,  I,  f  ier.  «ifi.  55-  «t  ^er,  Xifiil  1 7. 


160  OF  THE  YOKE  OF  CHRIST.  [Ser.    12. 

revealed  against  you  ;  if  you  turn  not,  he  will  whet  his  sword  ;* 
he  hath  bent  his  bow,  and  made  it  ready  ;  he  hath  prepared  the 
instruments  of  death  to  smite  you  ;  he  hath  ordained  the  arrows? 
of  his  vengeance  against  you;  and  can  you,  dare  you  go  on  in 
yoiu'  sins,  and  sa}',  I  shall  have  peace.'*  O  may  you  be  wise  in 
time  !  '  It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  living 
God.'f  '  Consider  this,  ye  that  forget  him,  lest  he  tear  you  in 
pieces,  and  there  be  none  to  dehver.'J 


SERMON  XII. 


OF  THE  YOKE  OF  CHRIST. 


Matt.  xi.  29. 

Take  my  yoke  upon  you^  and  learn  of  me  :  for  lam  meek  and  lowly  in  heaitf 
and  ye  shall  find  rest  unto  your  souls. 

Those  who  are  enabled  to  come  unto  Christ,  not  onl}^  ex- 
perience a  change  of  state,  but  of  character,  disposition,  and 
practice.  They  are  not  only  freed  from  condemnation,  but  they 
are  made  partakers  of  a  divine  nature.  They  are  delivered  from 
the  slavery  and  yoke  of  Satan,  and  made  willing,  in  the  day  of 
the  Lord's  power,  to  accept  and  embrace  his  yoke,  w  hich  is  com- 
mended to  us  in  the  following  verse  as  easy  and  pleasant.  Our 
Lord  speaks  of  his  service  as  a  yoke  or  burden,  because  it  is  so 
esteemed  by  all  who  know  him  not.  They  account  him  a  hard 
master,  and  think  his*  service  wearisome  ;  but  those  who  have 
made  the  experiment  find  it  otherwise  :  though,  it  must  be  con- 
fessed, it  exposes  to  some  difficulties,  calls  for  the  daily  exercise  of 
self-denial,  and  will  not  admit  either  of  competition  or  composi- 
tion with  the  world,  nor  can  it  be  pleasing  to  the  unrenewed  part 
of  our  nature.  But  the  knowledge  of  his  love,  the  hope  of  glory, 
and  thosie  seasonable  refreshments  with  which  he  is  pleased  to  fa- 
vour those  who  come  unto  him,  sweeten  every  bitter  thin  g,  and 
make  them  willing  to  bear  his  yoke  and  to  prefer  it  to  all  that  the 
world  accounts  freedom. 

Let  us  inquire, 

1.  What  is  meant  by  the  yoke  of  Christ, 

*  Ps.  vii.  1  ?:-.  7  Heb.  x.  S I ,  ]:  Ps.  1.  £2, 


Ser.  12.]  OP  the  yoke  of  christ.  161 

2.  The  proper  means  by  which  we  are  enabled  to  take  it  upon 
us  ;  that  is,  the  believing  consideration  of  him  as  our  effectual 
teacher,  and  pei'fect  pattern. 

3.  The  happy  effect  of  bearing  his  yoke  :  we  shall  find  resttO 
our  souls. 

1.  The  yoke  of  Christ,  taken  at  large,  includes  all  that  depen- 
dence, obedience,  and  submission,  which  we  owe  him  as  onr 
rightful  Lord  and  gracious  Redeemer.  He  has  a  double  right 
to  us,  'he  made  us.'*  We  are  the  creatures  of  his  power;  he 
gave  us  our  being,  with  all  our  capacities  and  enjoyments.  And 
further,  '  he  bought  ds  ;'f  he  pitied  us  in  our  low  and  fallen 
state,  and  gave  his  own  life,  his  precious  blood,  to  ransom  us 
from  that  ruin  and  misery  which  was  the  just  desert  of  our  sins. 
There  is  good  reason,  therefore,  that  we  should  be  his,  and  live 
and  cleave  to  him  in  love  alone  ;  that  we  should  no  longer  live  to 
ourselves,  but  to  him  who  died  for  us  and  rose  again.  In  particu- 
lar we  may  consider, 

1.  The  yoke  of  his  profession.  This  is  very  pleasing  to  a  gra- 
cious soul,  so  far  as  faith  is  in  exercise.  Far  from  being  ashamed 
of  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  he  is  ready  and  willing  to  tell  all  who 
will  hear,  what  God  has  done  for  his  soul.  Many  young  con- 
verts, in  the  first  wamth  of  their  affection,  have  more  need  of  a 
bridle  than  of  a  spur  in  this  concern.  For  want  of  prudence  to 
time  things  rightly,  and  perhaps  for  want  of  more  tenderness 
mixed  with  their  zeal,  they  are  apt  to  increase  their  own  troubles, 
and  sometimes,  by  pushing  things  too  far,  to  obstruct  the  success 
of  their  well-meant  endeavours  to  convince  others.  But,  though 
this  is  a  fault,  it  is  a  fault  on  the  right  side,  which  time,  experi- 
ence, and  observation,  will  correct.  And  though  we  are  hasty 
enough  to  condemn  the  irregular  overflowings  of  a  heart  deeply 
impressed  with  a  sense  of  eternal  things,  I  doubt  not  but  the 
Lord,  who  owns  and  approves  the  main  principle  from  whence 
they  spring,  beholds  them  with  a  far  more  favourable  eye  than 
he  does  the  cold,  cautious,  temporizing  conduct  of  some  others, 
who  value  themselves  upon  their  prudence.  We  should  judge 
thus  if  we  had  servants  of  our  own.  If  we  had  one  who  was 
heartily  and  affectionately  devoted  to  our  interests,  always  ready 
to  run  by  night  or  by  day,  refusing  no  danger  or  difficulty  from 
3  desire  to  please  us,  though  sometimes,  through  ignorance  or 
inattention,  he  should  make  a  mistake,  we  should  prefer  him  to 
another  of  greater  knowledge  and  abilities,  who  was  always  slow 
and  backward,  and  discovered  at  least  as  much  care  to  save  him- 
self from   inconveniences  as  to  promote  our  service.     However, 

*  Psalm  c.  ff.  f  Acts  xx.  28. 

Vol.  it  2J 


I(i2  or  THE  YOKE  OF  CtfRIST.  [Set.    12, 

this  warm  zeal  usually  sufiers  abatement ;  we  are  flesh,  as  well 
as  spirit :  and  there  are  some  circumstances  attending  a  profession 
of  the  Gospel,  on  the  account  of  which  it  may  be  with  propriety 
termed  a  yoke  to  us,  who  have  so  many  remaining  evils  within  us, 
and  so  many  outward  temptations  to  call  them  forth.  It  will  cer- 
tainly stir  up  opposition  from  the  world,  and  may  probably  break* 
in  upon  our  dearest  connexions,  and  threaten  oar  most  necessary 
temporal  interests. 

2.  The  yoke  of  his  precepts.  These  the  gracious  ^ul  ap- 
proves and  delights  in  ;  but  still  we  are  renewed  but  in  part. 
And  when  the  commands  of  Christ  stand  in  direct  opposition  to 
the  will  of  man,  or  call  upon  us  to  sacrifice  a  right  hand  or  a 
right  eye ;  though  the  Lord  will  surely  make  those  who  depend 
upon  him  victorious  at  the  last,  yet  it  will  cost  them  a  struggle ; 
so  that  when  they  are  sensible  how  much  they  owe  to  his  power 
working  in  them,  and  enabling  them  to  overcome,  they  will  at  the 
same  time  have  a  lively  conviction  of  their  own  weakness.  Abra- 
ham believed  in  God,  and  delighted  to  obey  ;  yet  when  he  was 
commanded  to  sacrifice  his  only  son,  this  was  no  easy  trial  of 
his  sincerity  and  obedience  :  and  all  who  are  partakers  of  his 
faith  are  exposed  to  meet,  sooner  or  later,  with  some  call  of  duty, 
little  less  contrary  to  the  dictates  of  flesh  and  blood. 

3.  The  yoke  of  his  dispensations.  This  none  can  bear  as  they 
ought  but  those  who  come  to  him.  It  is  natural  to  us  to  repine, 
to  fret  and  toss  like  a  wild  bull  in  a  net,-]-  when  we  are  under 
afflictions.  Believers  likewise  find  their  flesh  weak  when  their 
spirits  are  willing;  yet  they  see  suflicient  reasons  for  submission. 
and  they  know  where  to  ajjply  for  grace.  Afiliction  is  a  touch- 
stone that  discovers  what  spirit  a  man  is  of. 

The  hypocrite  may  keep  up  a  fair  semblance  of  true  piety 
while  all  things  go  smooth  and  to  his  wish,  but  in  sharp  troubles 
the  mask  will  drop  ofl*.  Satan  proceeded  upon  this  maxim  in  his 
contest  with  Job  ;  and  the  maxim  is  a  truth,  though  Satan  was 
mistaken  in  the  application. 

II.  The  appointed  means  by  which  sinners  arc  enabled  to  bear 
this  threefold  yoke,  is  suggested  in  the  words,  '  Learn  of  me,  for 
I  am  meek  and  lowly.'  However  amiable  and  desirable  the  dis- 
position I  have  described  may  appear,  you  will  never  acquire  it 
by  any  strength,  wisdom,  or  diligence  of  your  own.  Our  Lord, 
to  prevent  you  wearying  yourselves  with  unsuccessful  efibrts  and 
needless  disappointments,  has  assured  you  before-hand,  'Without 
me  ye  can  do  nothing.'^  But  here  he  graciously  oflers  you  the 
assistance  you  need.     As  if  he  had  said,  I  know  you  are  unable 

*  2  Tim.  iii.  12.  Matt.  x.  36.  f  Is^-  li-  20.-/  t  John  xv.  ;'., 


Ser.  12.J  or  the  yoke  of  christ.  163 

of  yourselves,  but  I  will  help  you.  Be  not  afraid  of  the  prospect, 
but  consider  what  I  can  do.  To  my  power  all  things  are  easy  ; 
I  can  make  the  crooked  straight,  and  the  rough  smooth  ;  I  can 
sweetly  engage  your  aficctions,  subdue  your  wills,  influence  your 
practice,  and  deliver  you  from  jour  sinful  fears.  Consider,  like- 
wise, what  I  have  done ;  thousands,  who  by  nature  were  as  un- 
skilful and  impatient  as  yourselves,  have  been  made  willing  in  the 
day  of  my  power. 

Therefore,  Learn  of  inc.  Be  not  afraid  to  come  to  me,  for  I 
am  meek  and  lowly  of  heart.  Great  and  mighty  as  I  am,  you 
may  freely  apply  to  me  in  every  doubt  and  dilliculty.  Awaken- 
ed souls,  through  a  sense  of  guilt,  and  the  power  of  unbelief,  are 
backward  and  unwilling  to  come  to  Christ.  They  think,  surely 
he  will  lake  no  notice  of  such  a  one  as  I  am.  But  observe  how 
kind  and  condescending  is  his  invitation  ;  Siow  graciously  suited 
to  engage  our  confidence.  It  was  said  of  a  Roman  emperor,  that 
fhose  who  durst  speak  to  him  were  ignorant  of  his  greatness  ;  but 
those  who  durst  not,  were  still  more  ig!U)rant  of  his  "goodness. 
This  was  a  false  and  impious  compliment  when  applied  to  a  sinful 
mortal ;  but  it  is  justly  applicable  to  Jesus,  the  Kings  of  kings, 
and  Lord  of  lords.  His  glorious  majesty  may  well  fill  our  heai'ts 
with  awe,  and  humble  us  into  the  dust  before  him;  but  his  im- 
mense compassions,  tenderness,  and  love,  are  revealed  to  over- 
balance our  fears,  to  give  us  confidence  to  draw  nigh  to  him,  and 
an  encouraging  hope  that  he  will  draw  nigh  to  us. 

Again,  Learn  of  me.  I  know  the  cause  why  these  things  ap- 
pear so  hard.  It  is  owing  to  the  pride  and  impatience  of  your 
hearts.  To  remedy  this,  take  me  for  j'our  example  :  I  require 
nothing  of  you  but  what  I  have  performed  before  you,  and  on  your 
account:  in  the  path  I  mark  out  for  you,  you  may  perceive  my 
own  footsteps  all  the  way.  This  is  a  powerful  argument,  a  sweet 
recommendation  of  the  yoke  of  Christ,  to  those  who  love  him, 
that  he  bore  it  hiraseK'!.  He  is  not  like  the  Pharisees,  whom  he 
censured*  on  this  very  account,  who  bound  heavy  burdens, 
and  grievous  to  Ue  borne,  and  laid  them  on  men's  shoulderSj 
but  they  themselves  would  not  move  them  with  one  of  their 
fingers. 

1.  Are  you  terrified  witb  the  difTioulties  attending  your  profes- 
sion, disheartened  by  bard  usag^,  or  too  ready  to  show  resentment 
against  those  who  oppose  you  ?  Learn  of  Jesus,  imitate  and  ad- 
mire his  constancy  :  '  consider  him  who  endured  the  contradiction 
of  sinners  against  himself.'f  Make  a  comparison  (so  the  word 
imports)    between  yourself  and  him,    between  the  contradiction 

*  Watt.  .will.  «1.  t  Ilda.  xif.  3.  coot.Xo'yi<!c/.'r8i. 


1G4  OF    THE    YOKE    OV    CHRIST.  [S'ci*.  V2 . 

which  he  endured,  and  that  which  you  are  called  to  struggle  with, 
then  surely  you  will  be  ashamed  to  complain.  Admire  and  imi- 
tate his  meekness  ;  when  he  was  reviled,  he  reviled  not  again  ; 
when  he  suffered,  he  threatened  not ;  he  wept  for  his  enemies,  and 
prayed  for  his  murderers.  Let  the  same  mind  be  in  you  which 
was  also  in  Christ  Jesus. 

2.  Do  you  find  it  hard  to  walk  steadfastly  in  his  precepts, 
especially  in  some  particular  instances,  when  the  maxims  of 
worldly  prudence  and  the  pleadings  of  ilesh  and  blood  are  strong- 
ly against  you  ?  Learn  of  Jesus.  He  pleased  not  himself;* 
he  considered  not  what  was  safe  and  easy,  but  what  was  the  will 
pf  his  heavenly  Father.  Entreat  him  to  strengthen  you  v»'ith 
strength  in  your  soul,  that,  as  you  bear  the  name  of  his  dis- 
ciples, you  may  resemble  him  in  every  part  of  your  conduct^ 
and  shine  as  lights  in  a  dark  and  selfish  world,  to  the  glory  of  his 
grace. 

3.  Are  you  tempted  to  repine  at  the  dispensations  of  Divine 
Providence.''  Take  Jesus  for  your  pattern.  Did  he  say,  when 
the  unspeakable  sufl'erings  he  was  to  endure  for  sinners  were  juit 
coming  upon  him,  '  The  cup  which  my  P^ather  has  put  into  my 
hands,  shall  I  not  drink  it  .^'f  and  shall  ive  presume  to  have  a  will 
of  our  own  .''  especially  when  we  further  reflect,  that  as  his  susTer- 
ings  were  wholly  on  our  account,  so  all  our  sufferings  are  by  his 
appointment,  and  all  designed  by  him  to  promote  our  best,  that 
is,  our  spiritual  and  eternal  welfare  ? 

It  is  thus  by  looking  to  Jesus,  that  the  believer  is  enlightene'd 
and  strengthened,  and  grows  in  grace  and  sanctification,  accord- 
ing to  that  passage  of  St.  Paul,  '  VVe  all  with  open  face,'  or  un- 
veiled face,  '  beholding  as  in  a  glass  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are 
changed  into  the  same  image,  from  glory  to  glory,  as  by  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord. 'J  The  word  of  God  is  a  glass  in  which  the 
goodness  and  beauty  of  the  Lord  Jesus  are  manifested  to  the  eye 
of  faith  by  the  light  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  In  this  wonderful  glass 
the  whole  object  is  not  seen  at  once,  but  every  view  we  take 
strengthens  the  sight  to  discover  something  not  perceived  before  : 
and  the  prospect  is  not  only  afi'ccting  but  transforming  ;  by  be- 
holding we  are  gradually  formed  into  the  resemblance  of  hiru 
whom  we  see,  admire,  and  love. 

All  those  whom  Jesus  thus  teaches  to  bear  his  yoke,  find  his 
promise  fulfilled  ;  they  obtain, 

in.  Rest  to  their  souls.  Those  who  are  truly  awakened  want 
nothing  to  make  them  happy  but  to  be  assured  they  have  an  in- 
terest in  the  Redeemer's  love.     Now  this  satisfaction  is  peculiar  to 

•'■  Rom,  XV.  5.  t  John  xviii.  11 .  +2  Cor.  iii.  18. 


Ser.  12.J  or  the  yoke  of  christ.  165 

those  who  take  liis  yoke  upon  them,  and  are  daily  learning  of  him 
and  copyincf  after  him. 

For,  1.  This  aflbrds  the  best  and  most  unshaken  evidence  thai 
he  has  begun  a  good  work  of  grace  in  our  hearts  ;  I  sa^^  the  best, 
because  the  most  unshaken.  Many  are  greatly  perplexed  to  know 
if  they  are  truly  converted;  and  are  kept  the  longer  in  suspense, 
because  they  overlook  the  ordinary  Scriptural  method  of  confirm- 
ation. They  expect  to  know  it  by  some  extraordinary  sensation, 
suddenly  impressed  upon  their  minds.  But,  besides  that  there 
have  been  many  instances  in  which  this  expected  evidence  ha;, 
been  counterfeited,  and  a  groundless  confid.ence  has  been  placed 
in  a  delusion  or  vain  imagination,  (to  the  hurt  of  many,  if  not  to 
tlieir  overthrow,)  even  when  they  are  from  the  gracious  Spirit  of 
God,  they  are,  for  the  most  part,  transient ;  and  when  a  different 
tVame  takes  place,  the  believer  is  often  tempted  to  question  the 
reality  of  Avhat  went  before.  1  think,  therefore,  the  testimony  of 
an  enlightened  conscience,  judging  by  the  word  of  God,  and 
de;:i(iing  in  oar  favour,  that  by  his  grace  we  have  been  en- 
abled to  take  up  the  yoke  of  Christ,  is  in  some  respects  a  more 
satisfactory  evidence  that  we  are  his,  and  that  he  is  ours,  than  if  an 
angel  v.'as  sent  from  heaven  to  tell  us  that  our  names  are  written  in 
the  book  of  life. 

2.  The  promise  of  the  peculiar  manifestation  of  his  love*  is 
made  and  restrained  to  those  who  walk  in  tlie  path  of  obedience. 
If  the  discoveries  the  Lord  is  pleased  sometimes  to  make  of  him- 
self to  the  soul,  are  not  the  proper  and  direct  evidences  of  a  state 
of  grace,  they  are,  however,  exceedingly  desirable.  Whoever 
has  tasted  the  sweets  of  that  water  of  life  cannot  but  long  for  re- 
peated draughts.  When  he  lifts  up  the  light  of  his  countenance 
upon  the  soul,  then  is  love,  joy,  and  peace  within,  however  dark 
and  distressing  things  may  be  without.  But  this  desirable  pres- 
ence can  only  be  expected  while  we  wear  his  yoke,  and  walk  in 
his  steps.  If  we  turn  aside  into  forbidden  ways,  if  we  decline,  or 
dishonour  the  profession  of  his  truth,  we  grieve  the  Holy  Spirit, 
on  whose  communications  our  comforts  are  suspended  ;  we  give 
the  enemies  of  our  souls  encouragement  to  assault  us,  and  are  in 
danger  of  falling  from  one  wickedness  to  another,  without  the 
power  of  withstanding  either  the  greatest  or  the  smallest  tempta- 
tion, till  the  Lord  is  pleased  to  turn  again  to  our  assistance.  In 
such  a  situation  there  can  be  no  rest.  '  But  he  that  walketh  up- 
rightly, walketh  surely,'-j-  and  findeth  rest. 

And  true  rest  is  no  otherwise  to  be  obtained.  Those  of  you 
who  refuse  the  yoke  of  Christ,  well  know  in  yourselves  that  you 

*  John  xvi.  21.  •\  Piov.  x.9. 


160  '  OF    THE    YOKE    OF    CHRIST.  [Scr.   12, 

are  far  from  rest.  Your  experience  agrees  with  this  declaration 
in  the  prophet :  'There  is  no  peace,  saitli  my  God,  to  the  wicked.'^ 
In  what  respect  will  you  dare  to  pretend  tliat  you  have  the  ad- 
vantage of  those  who  bear  the  yoke  of  Christ  ? 

We  allow  the  profession  of  the  Gospel  is  subject  to  inconven- 
iences ;  but  surely  not  so  many  as  you  meet  with  who  are  asham- 
ed, or  afraid,  or  averse,  to  maintain  it.  If  those  who  are  of  your 
household  are  not  your  foes  on  this  account,  yet  we  can  see  how 
it  fares  with  those  who  live  without  the  fear  of  God.  How  ma- 
ny, and  how  sharp,  are  your  trials  from  disobedient  children,  un- 
faithful servants,  false  friendships,  ungoverncd  passions,  and  un- 
satisfied desires !  Nor  do  you  save  any  thing  in  point  of  character, 
not  even  with  those  by  whom  you  are  most  desirous  to  be  esteem- 
ed. Tliey  cannot,  indeed,  reproach  you  with  being  a  believer  ; 
but  may  they  not,  do  they  not  reproach  and  despise  you  for 
being  a  drunkard,  or'a  liar,  or  a  miser,  or  an  extortioner  ?  And 
is  this  more  honourable  than  to  suffer  shame  for  the  cause  of 
Christ  ? 

Do  the  precepts  of  Christ  seem  hard  ?  Certainly  not  so  hard 
as  that  miserable  bondage  you  are  under  to  Satan,  the  god  of 
this  world,  who  works  in  you,  and  rules  over  you,  at  his  will. 
He  will  not  allow  you  to  listen  to  the  united  remonstrances  of 
conscience,  health,  interest,  and  reputation.  But  you  are  hurried 
on  in  his  drudgery,  constrained,  like  a  mill-horse,  to  toil  in 
the  same  tedious  round  of  folly  and  sin  ;  though  you  are  aware 
of  the  consequences  and  wages  before-hand.  How  absurd  is  it  for 
you  to  boast  of  your  freedom,  while  you  are  compelled  to  rush 
into  present  misery,  and  to  dare  your  eternal  ruin,  with  your  e^'cs 
open  ! 

And  how  greatly  are  you  to  be  pitied  under  the  many  unavoid- 
able afliictions  of  life  to  which  you  are  equally  liable  with  the 
servants  of  Christ !  When  your  idols  are  torn  from  you,  when 
sickness  seizes  you,  or  death  stares  you  in  the  face,  then  how 
do  you  fret  and  pine  !  how  many  are  your  fears  and  alarms  ! 
Then  you  are  your  own  tormentors.  The  review  of  the  past 
affords  you  only  shame  and  regret.  If  you  look  forward  to 
the  future,  you  are  fdled  with  foreboding  fears  and  distressing 
apprehensions  ;  you  are  weary  of  living,  and  afraid  to  die. 

Why,  then,  will  you  continue  thus,  when  Jesus  says,  '  Come 
inito  me,  that  you  may  have  rest .'"  O  may  he  incline  your  heart'? 
this  day  to  hear  his  voice  !  Have  you  been  hardened  in  your  evil 
ways  by  a  suspicion  that  your  case  is  desperate,  that  it  is  now  toi» 
Jate,  and  that  he  whom  you  have  so  often  rejected  will  refuse  you 

*  I'^a,  Ivii.  ci. 


Ser.  13.]  THE  Service  of  chribTj  &c.  1u7' 

raercy  ?  Beware  of  such  a  thought :  '  There  is  forgiveness  with 
him.'*  '  Behold,  now  is  the  accepted  time  ;  behold,  now  is  the 
da>'  of  salvation,'  He  is  gracious  to  pardon,  and  mighty  to  save  ; 
only  acknowledge  your  oflences,  and  throw  down  the  arms  of 
your  rebellion.  He  is  mighty  to  save,  and  no  less  willing  than 
able.  As  yet  there  is  hope  ;  but  who  can  tell  how  long  his  pa- 
tience may  bear  with  you?  Take  notice  of  that  awful  denuncia- 
tion, '  He  that  being  often  reproved,  hardeneth  his  neck,  shall 
suddenly  be  destroyed,  and  that  without  remedy. 'f  If  you  seek 
him  to-day,  with  all  your  hearts,  you  shall  find  him.  But 
who  can  answer  for  to-morrow  ?  To-morrow,  or  to-night,  your 
souls  may  be  required  of  you  ;  or,  if  your  lives  are  spared, 
you  may  be  given  up  to  judicial  and  incurable  hardness  of 
heart.  If  his  spirit  should  cease  from  striving  with  you,  you  am 
Jost  for  ever. 


SERMON  XIII. 


THE  SERVICE  OF  CHRIST  EASY  AND  PLEASANT  TO  HfS 

PEOPLE, 


Matt.  xi.  30. 
For  my  yoke  is  easy,  and  viy  Iw  den  is  li^rit- 

^This  verse  alone,  if  seriously  attended  to,  might  convijicfr 
multitudes,  that  though  they  bear  the  name  of  Christians,  and 
are  found  among  the  Lord's  worshipping  people,  they  are  as  yet 
entire  strangers  to  the  religion  of  the  Gospel.  Can  it  be  sup- 
posed that  our  Lord  would  give  a  false  character  of  his  yoke  ( 
If  not,  how  can  any  dream  that  they  are  his  followers,  while  they 
account  a  life  of  communion  with  God,  and  entire  devotedness 
to  his  service,  to  be  dull  and  burdensome  ?  Those,  however, 
who  have  made  the  happy  trial,  find  it  to  be  such  a  burden  as 
wings  are  to  a  bird.  Far  from  complaining  of  it,  they  arc 
convinced  that  there  is  no  real  pleasure  attainable  in  any  other 
T\'ay. 

What  the  yoke  of  Christ  is,  we  have  already  considered.  It 
includes  the  profession  of  his  Gospel,  obedience  to  his  precepts, 
and  submission  to  his  will,  under  every  dispensation.     But  since 

■^  Ps.  cxxx.  4.  t  ProT.  xxiw  l7 


168  THE    SERVICE    OF    CHRIST  [Sei*.   13. 

it  is  confessed  that  a  sinful  nature  and  a  sinful  world  will  bring 
many  difficulties,  trials,  and  temptations  upon  all  who  walk  in 
this  way,  it  may  be  worth  our  while  to  inquire  more  particular- 
ly what  there  is  in  the  yoke  of  Christ,  that  overpowers  all 
these  hardsiiips,  and  makes  such  amends  for  every  suffering, 
that,  upon  the  whole,  every  believer  will  subscribe  to  this  as  a 
sure  and  experienced  truth,  that  the  '  yoke  is  easy,  and  the  bur- 
den light.' 

I.  Those  who  bear  the  yoke  of  Christ,  act  from  a  principle 
which  makes  all  things  easy.  This  is  love.  It  is  said  of  Jacob, 
that  when  he  served  a  hard  master  seven  j^ears  for  Rachel,  they 
seemed  to  him  but  a  few  days,  for  the  love  which  he  bare  her.*^ 
And  many  of  you  find  it  easy  to  do  much  for  your  parents,  chil- 
dren, and  friends,  because  you  love  them.  But  there  is  no  love 
like  that  which  a  redeemed  sinner  bears  to  him  who  '  has  loved 
him,  and  washed  him  from  his  sins  in  his  own  blood.'  Further, 
love  produces  the  greatest  effects  when  it  is  mutual.  We  are 
willing  to  do  and  suffer  much  to  gain  the  affection  of  a  person  we 
regard,  though  we  are  not  sure  of  success  ;  but  when  the  affec- 
tion is  reciprocal,  it  adds  strength  to  every  motive.  Now  the 
believer  does  not  love  at  uncertainties  :  he  knows  that  Jesus  loved 
him  first,  loved  him  when  he  was  in  a  state  of  enmity  ;+  and  that 
nothing  but  the  manifestation  and  power  of  his  love  could  have 
taught  his  hard,  unfeeling  heart  to  love  him  whom  he  never  saw.f 
This  love,  therefore,  affords  two  sweet  and  powerful  encourage- 
ments in  service. 

1.  A  cordial  desire  to  please.  Love  does  what  it  can,  and  is 
only  sorry  that  it  can  do  no  more.  We  seldom  think  much,  as  I 
have  hinted  already,  either  of  time,  pains,  or  expense,  when  the 
heart  is  warmly  engaged.  The  world,  who  understand  not  this 
heart-felt  spring  of  true  religion,  think  it  strange  that  the  believer 
will  not  run  into  the  same  excess  of  riot  with  ihem.§  They  won- 
der what  pleasure  he  can  find  in  secret  prayer,  in  reading  and 
hearing  the  word  of  God  ;  they  pity  the  poor  man  who  has  such 
a  melancholy  turn,  and  gravely  advise  him  not  to  carry  things 
too  far.  But  the  believer  can  give  them  a  short  answer  in  the 
apostle's  words  :  'The  love  of  Christ  constrains  me.||  His  rul- 
ing passion  is  the  same  with  theirs,  which  makes  his  pursuit  no 
less  uniform  and  abiding  ;  but  the  objects  are  different  as  light 
from  darkness.  They  love  the  perishing  pleasures  of  sin,  the 
mammon  of  unrighteousness,  and  the  praise  of  men  ;  but  he  love? 
Jesus. 

*  Gen.  xxix.  20,  f  1  John  iv.  19.  |^  1.  Pet.  i.  3. 

'^  1  Pet.  iv.  4.  [i  2  Gor.  v.  14. 


^er.   13.]  JLASY    AKD   PLEASANT.  169 

2.  A  pleasing-  assurance  of  acceptance.  If  we  know  not  whe- 
ther what  we  do  will  be  ftivourably  received  or  not,  it  makes  us 
remiss  and  indifferent.  But  this  animates  the  Lord's  people  ; 
they  are  assured  that  he  will  not  overlook  the  smallest  services 
or  sufferings  they  are  engaged  in  for  his  sake.  He  has  told  them 
in  his  word,  '  that  if  they  give  but  a  cup  of  cold  water  in  his 
name,  and  on  his  account,  he  will  accept  and  acknowledge  it,  as 
if  it  were  done  immediately  to  himself.'* 

II.  It  makes  a  service  still  more  easy  and  pleasant,  if,  besides 
acting  from  a  principle  of  love,  the  service  itself  is  agreeable  to 
our  inclination.  Esau  would  probabl}-  have  done  any  thing  to 
please  his  father,  in  hopes  of  obtaining  the  blessing  ;  but  no  com- 
mand could  please  him  more  than  to  be  sent  for  venison,  because 
he  was  a  cunning  hunter,  and  his  pleasure  lay  that  way.f  Now 
the  believer  has  received  a  new  nature ;  so  that  the  Lord's  com- 
mandments are  not  grievous  to  him  ;  but  he  deligiits  in  them  with 
his  whole  heart.  It  is  true,  he  groans  under  remaining  corrup- 
tions ;  and  this  is  properly  his  burden,  not  the  service  of  Christ, 
which  he  approves  and  delights  in,  but  because  he  can  serve  him 
no  better.  So  far  as  faith  is  in  exercise,  he  rejoices  in  every  part 
of  the  yoke  of  Christ.  He  glories  in  the  profession  of  his  name. 
He  has  made  Moses's  choice ;  he  prefers  the  reproach  even  of  Christ 
to  all  the  honours  of  the  world  ;J  and  had  a  measure  of  that  spirit 
by  which  the  apostles  were  enabled  to  rejoice  that  they  were 
counted  worthy  to  suffer  shame  for  his  name.§  He  heartily  con- 
sents to  the  precepts ;  he  esteems  them  as  a  light  to  his  feet  ;  he 
makes  them  his  meditation  all  the  day.  Nothing  pleases  him 
more  than  to  find  an  increasing  victory  over  the  hindrances  to  his 
obedience ;  and  the  time  of  his  greatest  grief  is,  when  through 
infirmity,  or  the  prevalence  of  temptation,  he  is  seduced  to  neglect 
or  transgress  them,  though  in  the  smallest  instance,  and  in  what 
does  not  pass  mider  human  observation.  Even  afflictions,  though 
not  joyous  in  themselves,  but  grievous,  are  cheerfully  submitted 
to,  because  the  Lord  has  appointed  them,  and  is  pleased  to  ac- 
count them  a  filling  up  of  his  sufferings.  j| 

HI.  In  other  cases,  even  when  there  is  a  principle  of  love,  and 
the  service  not  disagreeable  in  itself,  yet  vceakness  may  render  it 
wearisome  or  impracticable.  Though,  perhaps,  you  would  wil- 
lingly take  a  long  journey  to  serve  a  friend  ;  yet,  if  you  are  sick, 
or  lame,  what  could  you  do  .'*  But  the  yoke  of  Christ  is  light  and 
easy  in  this  respect,  that  there  is  a  sufficiency  of  strength  provid- 
ed for  the  performance.     This  consideration  makes  every  diffi- 

*  Mark  ix.  41.  f  Gen.  xxv.  27.  and  xxvii.  3,  1  Heb.  xi,  26, 

v>  Acts  V.  41.  {I  Col.  i.  24. 

Voi,.  If.  22 


170  THK    SERVICK    OV    CHRIST  [Sci'.    13. 

culty  vanish  ;  lor  though  these  should  be  increased  tenfold,  yet  if 
strength  be  increased  in  an  equal  proportion,  it  amounts  to  the 
same  thing.  What  is  hard  or  impossible  to  a  child,  is  easy  to  a 
man  ;  what  is  hard  to  flesh  and  blood,  is  easy  to  faith  and  grace. 
The  believer,  though  weak  in  himself,  is  strong  in  the  Lord  : 
the  power  on  which  he  depends  is  not  in  his  own  keeping,  but  it 
is  treasured  up  in  the  covenant  of  grace,  or  in  the  Lord  Jesus,  in 
whom  all  fulness  dwells,  and  is  always  to  be  obtained  by  prayer. 
Every  child  of  God  is  interested  in  the  blessing  of  Asher  :  '  Thy 
shoes  shall  be  iron  and  brass ;  and  as  thy  day  is,  so  shall  thy 
strength  be.'*     By  the  day  may  be  understood, 

1.  A  day  of  service.  Whatever  the  Lord  appoints  for  us  to 
do,  if  we  depend  upon  him  in  the  use  of  appointed  means,  he 
Avill  certainly  qualify,  furnish,  and  strengthen  us,  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  it.  If  David  is  called  out  to  meet  Goliah,  thougij 
he  is  but  a  stripling,f  and  the  other  a  practised  warrior  from  his 
youth,  he  shall  not  be  disheartened  or  overcome,  but  be  made 
a  conqueror,  though  all  appearances  are  against  him.  If  we 
are  in  the  path  of  duty,  and  if  our  help  and  hope  is  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord,  we  may  confidently  expect  that  he  will  uphold  us, 
however  faint  and  enfeebled  we  may  seem  to  be  to  ourselves  or 
others. 

2.  A  day  of  suftering.  If,  like  Daniel  and  his  companions,  we 
should  be  threatened  with  lions  and  flames,  we  may  confidently 
commit  our  way  to  God  ;  he  can  control  the  fire,  and  stop  the 
lions'  mouths. I  While  all  things  are  in  his  hands,  whose  we  are, 
and  whom  we  serve,  why  should  we  fear  that  the}'  will  act  be- 
yond the  bounds  of  his  permission,  or  that  he  will  permit  them  to 
do  any  thing  which  it  is  not  his  purpose  to  over-rule  to  our  ad- 
vantage ?  Such  considerations  in  the  hour  of  need,  seasonably 
impressed  by  his  good  Spirit,  together  with  a  trust  in  his  promises, 
shall  inspire  us  with  new  strength  to  meet  the  greatest  danger  un- 
dismayed ;  and  with  regard  to  trials  immediately  from  his  own 
gracious  hand,  he  will  so  adjust  them,  in  number,  season,  weight, 
and  measure,  to  the  ability  he  communicates,  that  we  both 
shall  be  able  to  bear,  and  also  find  a  way  made  for  us  to  es- 
cape. With  such  assurances,  we  may  boldly  say,  '  The  Lord 
is  on  my  side,  I  will  not  fear  what  man  (or  Satan)  can  do  unto 
me.' 

IV.  There  is,  further,  a  consideration  of  profit  and  advantage, 
which  makes  the  yoke  of  Christ  easy.  The  believing  soul  is  not 
mercenary.     He  loves  his  Master  and  his  service  ;  yet  it  is  im- 

^  Deut.  xxxiii.  £5.  '  f  1  Sam.  xvii.  37. 

t  Dan.  iii.  16.  and  vi.  ti.     Psalm  xci.  IP..     'I  Tim.  iv.  17. 


Ser.  13.]  EASY  and  pleasant.  171 

possible  to  serve  God  for  nought.  In  the  keeping  of  his  com- 
mandments there  is  a  reward,  tliough  not  of  debt,  yet  of  grace  :* 
a  great  and  sure  reward,  respecting  both  the  life  that  now  is  and 
that  which  is  to  come. 

Those  who  sincerely  take  up  the  yoke  of  Christ,  and  cleave  to 
him  in  love  alone,  have  ample  compensation  in  tiie  present  life  for 
all  that  iheir  profession  can  cost  them.  They  enjoy  the  testimo- 
ny of  a  good  conscience,  which  is  compared  to  a  continual  feast. 
St.  Paul,  tliongh  a  champion  for  free  grace,  and  determined  to 
glory  only  in  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus, f 
expresses  a  high  and  Just  value  for  this  privilege;  and  that  it  af- 
forded comfort,  yea  joy,  in  a  time  of  trouble.  Superadded  to 
this,  they  are  often  favoured  with  the  peculiar  consolations  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  which,  though  slightly  esteemed  by  those  who  know 
them  not,  satisfy  the  soul  as  with  marrow  and  fatness,  and  can 
change  the  voice  of  mourning  into  songs  of  praise  in  an  instant.  J 
And  though  these  are  not  their  constant  food,  yet  they  have  real 
and  habitual  communion  with  God,  from  day  to  day,  in  his  ordi- 
nances and  providences.  They  live  in  his  presence  ;  they  con- 
verse with  him,  and  he  with  them  ;  their  good  things  are  doubly 
pleasing,  because  they  receive  them  from  his  hand  ;  and  this 
thought  likewise  sweetens  every  bitter  cup  of  affliction  which  he 
prepares  for  their  good.  The  mutual  intercourse  and  commun- 
ion his  people  have  with  each  other  is  likewise  a  considerable 
branch  of  their  present  reward.  How  pleasing  is  it  when,  speak- 
ing to  each  other  in  his  name,  they  take  sweet  counsel  together, 
they  are  confirmed  in  his  way,  by  finding  how  their  experiences 
answer  as  face  to  face  in  a  glass;  and  he  causes  their  hearts  to  burn 
within  them  while  they  are  freely  declaring  what  he  has  done  for 
their  souls.  Lastly,  tliey  are  happy  in  a  comfortable  expectation 
of  a  better  world ;  and  when  the  appointed  time  comes,  death 
will  put  an  end  to  all  their  trouble  ;  and  then  shall  they  fully 
know  and  possess  the  future  reward  which  the  Lord  has  prepared 
and  reserved  for  them  that  love  him. 

This  is  briefly  summed  up  by  the  apostle  :  They  shall  be  ab- 
sent from  the  body,§  and  all  its  inseparable  evils  ;  sin  and  sorrow, 
"vvant,  pain,  and  every  distress  that  belongs  to  this  mortal  state  shall 
afl'ect  them  no  more,  and  they  shall  be  present  with  the  Lord, 
whom  they  love.  Then  they  shall  see  his  face  without  a  cloud, 
and  share  his  joy  without  abatement  or  interruption  ;  and  all  this 
shall  be  for  ever.  When  they  are  made  pillars  of  the  New  Jeru- 
salein,||  they  shall  come  out  no  more.  The  prospect  of  this 
makes  them  rejoice  under   all  their  tribulations  :    for  they  know 

*  Ps.  xix.  1 1 .  f  2  Cor.  i.  13.  J  Ps.  Ixiii.  3.  ^  2  Cor.  v.  8.  ||  Rev.  iii.  12. 
1  Thess,  iv.  17. 


172  THE   S.E.RV1CE  Of   CH11I3T  [Scr.    13. 

whereto  they  iead,  and  how  tliey  will  end.  '  These  light  and 
momentary  afflictions  are  working  for  them  a  far  more  exceeding 
and  eternal  weight  of  glory.'* 

From  these  things  1  hope  it  will  appear  that  the  yoke  of 
Christ  is  easy.  His  people  serve  him  because  they  love  him  ; 
they  iove  his  ways  ;  he  is  their  strength  ;  he  comforts  them  now, 
and  will  be  their  portion  for  ever. 

But  perhaps  some,  whom  I  would  willingly  comfort,  will  rather 
be  discouraged  by  this  representation,  and  say,  Alas  !  if  it  is 
thus,  I  am  yet  to  seek  :  my  love  is  so  faint,  my  strength  so  fee- 
ble, my  consolations  so  small,  my  obedience  so  imperfect,  that  I 
am  afraid  I  have  not  known  the  easy  yoke  of  Christ.  There  are 
therefore  some  other  things  to  be  taken  into  the  account,  and 
which  are  no  just  exception  to  the  character  our  Lord  here  gives 
of  his  yoke. 

1.  The  entrance,  or  first  application  of  the  mind  to  the  yoke 
or  profession  of  the  -Gospel,  is  seldom  pleasant.  Though  the 
work  of  grace  leads  to  love,  it  usually  begins  in  fear.  On  this 
point  we  have  already  spoken  at  large.  It  is  no  pleasing  state  to 
be  weary  and  heavy  laden,  to  see  ourselves  obnoxious  to  a  curse, 
and  unable  to  escape ;  yet  by  apprehensions  of  this  kind  the  soul 
is  prepared  to  embrace  the  yoke  of  Christ ;  and  none  but  those 
who  have  experienced  the  misery  of  a  fallen  state  will  be  truly  de- 
sirous of  the  Gospel  rest. 

2.  The  progress  is  gradual.  The  first  dawnings  of  grace  in 
the  heart  are  faint,  and  hardly  perceptible  ;  hence  the  whole  pro- 
cess is  compared  to  things  that  are  very  inconsiderable  in  their 
first  principles.  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  a  grain  of  mus- 
tard-seed, which  is  hid  and  lost  in  the  earth  for  a  season  ;  it  is  like 
leaven,  which  when  cast  into  meal  may  be  concealed  and  unno- 
ticed for  a  while,  but  by  degrees  diffuses  its  influence  through  the 
whole  mass  :f  It  is  like  the  corn  which  springs  up  and  comes 
forward  night  and  day,  a  man  knows  not  how. J  The  growth  in 
the  Christian  life  being  thus  slow  and  indistinct,  many  who  aim 
to  ascertain  their  interest  rather  by  the  degree  than  the  reality  of 
grace,  are  often  dejected  to  find  their  attainments  proceed  no  fas- 
ter. It  is,  indeed,  a  humbling  consideration,  but  ought  not  to  rob 
us  of  the  comfort  arising  from  a  believing  view  of  what  Jesus  has 
completely  wrought  out  for  us,  and  of  what  he  has  promised  he 
will  infallibly  perform  in  us,  in  his  own  good  time.  A  deliver- 
ance from  this  poring  into  ourselves  for  the  grounds  of  our  hope, 
is  a  part,  a  considerable  part,  of  the  rest  to  which  he  invites  us, 

*  2  Cor.  iv.  17.  f  Matt.  xiii.  31—33.  t  Mark  iv.  27. 


Ser.    13.]  EASY  AND  PLEASANT.  173 

3.  The  difficulties  attendant  on  that  course  of  faith  and  obedi- 
ence which  is  included  in  taking  his  yoke  upon  us,  are  many  and 
great.  While  we  sojourn  in  a  wilderness  state,  and  in  a  sinful 
nature,  there  will  be  fightings  without,  and  fears  within.  It  is  the 
appointed  and  necessary  rule  of  our  profession,  that  '  through 
much  tribulation  we  must  enter  into  the  lijngdom  of  God.'* 
All  who  are  against  him  will  be  against  us  for  his  sake;  and  the 
evil  heart  of  unbelief  will  show  itself  in  a  variety  of  forms,  as  it 
is  acted  upon  by  various  impressions,  from  the  things  of  sense 
and  the  powers  of  darkness.  But  these  troubles  do  not  arise 
from  the  spiritual  yoke  of  Christ,  but  from  our  present  situation 
and  circumstances,  and  shall  therefore  shortly  cease  for  ever. 
His  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness ;  though  we  are  sure  to  meet 
with  perplexity  and  uneasiness,  so  far  and  so  often  as  we  wander 
from  them  into  our  own  crooked  paths.     But, 

4.  The  end  is  sure.  '  He  that  endureth  to  the  end  shall  be  sa- 
ved ;'f  and  all  who  are  in  his  way  have  his  promise  and  power 
engaged  in  their  behalf,  that  they  shall  certainly  endure,  that  he 
will  so  lead,  guide,  support,  and  strengthen  them,  that  neither  life 
nor  death,  nor  things  present,  nor  things  to  come,  shall  separate 
them  from  his  love. J  Your  complaints  and  fears,  therefore,  are 
no  proof  that  you  are  not  right.  Go  on  in  his  name.  Trust 
in  him  in  whom  you  have  believed,  and  be  nothing  terrified  by 
your  adversaries.  The  longer  you  wear  the  yoke,  the  easier  you 
will  find  it. 

Let  each  one  examine  himself  by  what  has  been  offered.  If 
you  have  not  a  principle  of  true  love  to  Christ,  and  a  prevailing 
desire  to  live  in  all  holy  obedience  to  his  will,  you  are  no  Chris- 
tian ;  and  though  you  may  begin  warmly,  you  will  not  be  able  to 
hold  out,  but  your  profession  will  wither  away  for  want  of  root 
and  moisture.  Nor  is  it  difficult  to  know  whether  you  love  him 
or  no  ;  if  you  do,  you  have  seen  your  need  of  him,  and  abhor 
yourself  in  dust  and  ashes. 

From  hence,  likewise,  you  may  discern  the  difference  between 
the  religion  of  the  Gospel  and  the  formal  worship  that  many  are 
contented  with,  in  which  the  heart  has  no  place.  Remember  that 
'  God  is  a  spirit, '§  and  unless  you  love  him,  you  cannot  possibly 
please  him.  If  a  man  would  give  all  the  substance  of  his  house 
for  love,  it  would  be  utterly  contemned.  His  commandments  like- 
wise are  spiritual;  they  extend  beyond  the  surface  of  the  outward 
conduct,  and  take  cognizance  even  of  the  retired  thoughts  and  in- 
tents of  the  heart.  Many  sins  may  be  avoided,  and  many  duties 
performed,  from  motives  and  principles  which  not  being  derived 

*  Acts  xiv.  22-        T  Matt.  x.  22.        +  Rom.  viii.  So.        5^  John  iv.  24. 


174  BELIEVERS  CAUTIONED  [Scr.  14. 

from  his  word,  or  conformable  to  it,  are  therefore  sinful  in  them- 
selves, and  make  every  thing  proceeding  from  them  defective  and 
displeasing  in  his  sight.  If  you  are  attempting  to  serve  him  by 
your  own  natural  strength  and  understanding,  be  assured  that 
you  have  not  yet  taken  up  the  yoke  of  Christ  ;  if  you  had,  you 
would  find  it  answerable  to  the  character  he  has  given  of  it,  for 
his  word  is  truth.  But  your  constrained  obedience,  you  know 
5n  yourselves,  far  from  being  easy  and  light,  is  a  heavy  burden 
which  you  would  be  glad  to  cast  off  if  you  durst.  You  serve  the 
Lord  as  a  slave  serves  a  hard  master,  not  with  a  willing  mind, 
but  of  necessity,  and  from  a  dread  of  punishment.  But  in  vaiu 
do  you  draw  near  to  him  with  your  lips  while  your  heart  is  far 
from  him.  Therefore  spend  no  longer  your  labour  for  that  vvhicli 
is  not  bread,  but  come  to  Jesus  that  you  may  find  rest  to  your 
souls.  He  is  able  to  take  away  your  heart  of  stone  and  give  you 
a  heart  of  flesh,  to  put  a  new  spirit  in  you  that  shall  delight  in  his 
yoke,  to  give  you  strength  and  ability  for  every  part  of  your  du- 
ty, and  to  make  you  a  willing  people  in  the  day  of  his  power. 

Believers,  rejoice  in  your  security.  The  Lord  has  given  you 
a  never-dying  principle  of  love,  and  provided  for  you  a  never- 
failing  supply  of  grace.  These  will  bear  you  up  through  all 
your  journey,  and  at  last  bring  you  safely  home  to  the  mansions 
provided  for  you  in  your  Father's  house.  Then  shall  you  praise 
him,  world  without  end. 


SERMON  XIV. 


BELIEVERS  CAUTIONED  AGAINST  MISCONDUCT  IN  THEIK 
PROFESSION. 


Rom.  xiv.  l(j. 
Let  not  iheii  your  good  be  evil  spoken  of. 

The  immediate  occasion  of  this  caution  you  may  learn  from 
ihc  context.  It  has  pleased  God,  from  the  beginning,  to  permit 
iiis  people,  who  all  agree  in  the  great  and  essential  truths  of  the 
Gospel,  to  differ  in  some  things  of  less  importance.  This  differ- 
ence of  judgment  gives  room  for  the  mutual  exercise  of  patience, 
forbearance,  tenderness,  and  charity  ;  but  at  the  same  time  too 
often  affords  opportunity  for  the  remaining  corruptions  of  the 
heart  to  discover  and  exert  themselves.     The  Jewish  converts 


ber.    14.J  AGAINST  MISCONDUCT.  175 

were  for  some  time  attached  to  the  observance  of  that  distinction 
in  meats  and  drinks  which  had  been  enjoined  by  the  law  of  Mo- 
ses ;  the  Gentiles,  on  the  contrary,  claiined  a  right  to  be  free 
from  this  yoke  as  a  part  of  the  liberty  which  they  had  received 
Irom  Christ.  The  apostle  does  not  in  this  place  blame  either 
party  with  respect  to  their  own  judgment  and  practice  ;  'but  he 
reproves  them  for  censuring  and  despising  each  other  ;  and  he 
especially  reproves  those  who  understood  their  liberty  in  the  Gos- 
pel, for  not  being  prudent  in  the  use  of  it,  but  rather  forward  to 
provoke  and  offend  their  weaker  brethren.  He  confirms  their 
liberty,  but  admonishes  them  not  to  abuse  it,  either  by  urging 
others  to  act  against  their  consciences,  or  by  treating  them  with 
contempt,  because  they  had  not  entirely  laid  aside  those  scruples 
and  prejudices  to  which  they  had  been  long  accustomed.  '  Let 
not  your  good  be  evil  spoken  of.'  Be  thankful  for  your  liberty, 
but  do  not  bring  it  into  discredit  and  reproach  by  acting  in  an 
unbecoming  spirit  towards  others. 

The  instruction  in  my  text,  understood  in  this  sense,  has  al- 
ways been  applicable  and  seasonable  in  the  Christian  church, 
and  perhaps  never  more  so  than  in  our  land,  and  in  our  times. 
While  believers  in  Jesus,  who  are  led  by  the  same  Spirit  into  the 
same  fundamental  truths,  and  stand  in  the  most  endeared  relation 
to  each  other  through  their  common  Head,  place  such  undue 
stress  upon  lesser  incidental  difi'erences,  and  are  professed  parti- 
sans for  the  little  interests  of  systems,  denominations,  and  leaders, 
love,  the  grand  characteristic  of  their  profession,  is  hardly  dis- 
cernible ;  they  censure  and  grieve  each  other,  retard  the  success 
of  the  cause  which  they  would  all  be  thought  to  have  most  at 
heart,  and  open  the  mouths  of  the  adversaries  to  revile  that 
which  they  understand  not.  The  prevalence  of  this  wrong  dispo- 
sition calls  for  the  admonition  in  my  text.  Be  thankful  for  your 
privileges  ;  you  not  only  claim  the  rights  of  private  judgment 
and  liberty  of  conscience,  as  men  and  as  Christians,  but  as  Britons 
you  possess  them.  '  Let  not  then  your  good  be  evil  spoken  of  i' 
allow  to  others  that  freedom  which  you  expect  yourselves  ;  and  if 
you  do  not  suppose  yourselves  infallible,  suppose  it  possible  that 
some  may  be  as  near  to  the  Lord  as  yourselves,  who  cannot  agree 
with  you  in  every  sentiment  you  have  adopted. 

But  this  direction  may  be  taken  in  a  much  more  general  sense. 
It  behooves  all  who  honour  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  be  careful  in 
every  part  of  their  conduct,  that  they  do  not  give  occasion  for 
their  good  to  be  evil  spoken  of.  To  make  the  subject  as  suitable 
as  I  can  to  the  diflerent  states  and  characters  oi  all  present,  I 
shall 

1.  Inquire  what  is  the  believer's  good. 


^7(3  BELIEVERS  CAUTIONED  [Scr.   14 

2.  Explain  and  apply  the  advice  here  given,  '  Let  not  your 
good  be  evil  spoken  of.' 

I.  All  mankind  have  something  near  at  heart,  on  which  their 
dependence  is  placed,  and  wherein  they  find  their  chief  pleasure. 
This  (whatever  it  is)  is  their  good  ;  a)id,  according  to  the  object 
in  which  they  delight,  is  their  proper  character.  By  nature  the 
world  and  worldly  things  are  the  highest  good  we  seek  after  ; 
and  these,  in  one  view  or  other,  as  tempers  and  situations  vary, 
are  pursued  with  unwearied  earnestness.  Riches,  honours,  sin- 
ful pleasures,  are  the  poor  things  in  view,  when  the  unrenewed 
heart  cries  out  in  its  eager  pursuits,  '  Who  v.iil  show  us  any 
good  .'"*  If  your  strongest  desires  tend  this  way,  your  good  will 
not  be  evil  spoken  of  by  many.  Men  will  praise  you  when  you 
do  well  for  yourself;  you  are  not,  therefore,  concerned  in  the 
admonition  in  my  text.  Only  take  notice  what  the  word  of  God 
declares  of  your  good,  and  of  you  for  accounting  it  so.  Your 
good  is  vanity,  your  fruit  is  vexation  of  spirit,  and  you  who  set 
your  hearts  on  such  a  good  as  the  objects  of  sense  can  furnish, 
are  adjudged  '  enemies  to  God.'f  You  yourselves  will  speak 
evil  of  this  good  when  you  come  to  die,  if  you  die  in  your  sins. 
Then  you  will  see  a  propriety,  in  Esau's  words  to  your  own  case, 
'  Behold,  I  am  at  the  point  to  die,  and  what  profit  shall  this  birth- 
right do  to  me  .^' J 

As  the  world  is  the  good  of  the  unconverted,  so  a  covenant 
God  in  Christ  is  the  good  and  portion  of  all  who  are  called  by 
his  grace.  They  are  ever  looking  to  the  obedience  and  blood  of 
Jesus,  applied  by  the  Spirit  of  grace,  as  the  sole  foundation  of 
i  their  hope  and  comfort.  God  is  their  good  in  the  highest  sense, 
*  and  every  thing  else  is  good  so  far  as  it  leads  to  him,  and  assists 
them  in  maintaining  communion  with  him.  In  this  view  we  may 
mention  several  particulars,  each  of  which  they  account  theii 
good,  because  the  means  of  enjoying  and  glorifying  their  God. 

1.  The  Gospel,  that  gracious  revelation  by  which  they  have 
been  taught  to  know  themselves,  and  to  know  Jesus,  is  their  good. 
All  the  doctrines,  precepts,  and  promises,  contained  in  the  Scrip- 
lure,  are  a  very  precious  treasure,  in  which  they  rejoice  more 
than  those  who  find  great  spoil.  Each  of  them  can  say,  in  the 
language  of  the  Psalmist,  '  The  law  of  thy  mouth  is  dearer  to 
me  than  thousands  of  gold  and  silver.  How  sweet  are  thy  words 
unto  my  taste,  yea,  sweeter  than  honey  to  my  mouth  !  O  how  I 
love  thy  law  !  It  is  my  meditation  all  the  day  long.'§  By  this 
word  they  are  enlightened,  quickened,  warned,  comforted,  and 

^-  Psal.  iv.  C.     t  James  iv.  1.      t  ^en.  xxV.  32.      ^.  Psal.  cxix.  72,  97,  103. 


Ser.  14.]  AGAINST  miscondttct.  177 

supported ;  tlierefore  it  is  the  joy  and  rejoicing  of  their  hearts, 
and  more  than  their  necessary  food.* 

2.  The  ordinances  make  a  part  of  their  good.  A  famine  of 
the  word  of  the  Lord  would  distress  them  greatly  ;  and  if  they 
may  but  have  frequent  opportunities  of  this  kind,  and  meet  with 
his  gracious  presence  in  them,  they  can  be  content  to  be  without 
many  things  which  the  men  of  this  world  highly  value.  When 
beset  with  many  straits,  and  surrounded  with  troubles,  they  can 
find  refreshment  in  the  Lord's  assurance  by  the  prophet,  '  And 
though  the  Lord  give  you  the  bread  of  adversity,  and  the  water 
of  aflliction,  yet  shall  not  thy  teachers  be  removed  into  a  corner 
any  more  ;  but  thine  eyes  shall  see  thy  teachers. 'f  If  this  pro- 
mise is  fulfilled  to  them,  they  will  not  greatly  complain  of  the 
bread  of  adversity,  although  that  is  joined  with  it.  But,  on  the 
contrary,  they  find  it  a  hard  trial  to  be  deprived  of  lively  ordi- 
nances and  faithful  ministers,  however  advantageous  and  pleasing 
their  situation  may  be  in  temporal  things,  because  these  are  not 
their  good. 

3.  They  account  their  profession  a  part  of  their  good.  They 
esteem  it  a  high  privilege  to  bear  the  name  of  Christ,  though  it 
exposes  them  to  the  reproach  of  the  world.  They  account  it  a 
great  and  important  trust  to  have  the  honour  of  the  Gospel  com- 
mitted to  them,  and  in  some  measure  dependant  on  their  conduct. 
When  they  are  in  their  right  minds,  the}'  would  rather  die  than 
be  guilty  of  any  thing  that  might  bring  it  into  discredit.  Wilful- 
ly they  cannot,  they  dare  not  do  it ;  but  through  ignorance  and 
infirmity  they  are  prone  to  mistake,  and  therefore  need,  and  are 
desirous  to  observe,  the  caution  in  my  text. 

4.  Their  experiences  are  their  good,  their  choice  pearls  ;  I 
mean  the  inward  dealings  of  the  Lord  with  their  souls  ;  the 
proofs  they  have  had  of  his  power  and  wisdom  in  bringing  them 
thus  far  safely  on  their  way  to  his  kingdom,  the  discoveries  he  has 
given  them  of  the  deceitfulness  of  their  own  hearts,  the  manifesta- 
tions of  his  grace,  love,  and  nearness  to  them,  notwithstanding  all 
their  unworthiness  and  imfaithfulness.  Some  of  these  experien- 
ces have  cost  them  dear,  have  cost  them  many  a  pang,  trouble, 
and  conflict ;  yet  they  would  not  be  without  them  to  avoid  all 
that  they  have  suffered  ;  and  they  are  content  to  suffer  on,  if  by 
any  means  they  may  increase  this  precious  stock.  They  delight 
to  recollect  how  low  they  were  brought,  how  wonderfully  deliver- 
ed, what  answers  they  have  been  favoured  with  to  their  poor 
prayers  ;  and  from  hence  to  collect  the  all-sufficiency  and  good- 
ness of  him  to  whom  they  have  fled  for  refuge,  and  to  derive  ar- 

*  Job  xxiii.  12.  t  ^^^-  xxx.  20, 

Vol.  IL  23 


178  BELIEVERS    CAUTIONED  [Scr.   14. 

guments  wherewith  to  combat  their  unbelieving  fears  in  time  to 
come.  Thus  far  their  experiences  are  their  good  ;  not  as  the 
foundation  of  their  hoj)e,  or  tiie  source  of  their  comfort,  for 
these  their  whole  reliance  is  on  the  obedience  and  blood  of 
Jesus  the  Saviour  ;  but  as  evidences  that  they  have  neither  '  fol- 
lowed cuimingly-devised  fables,  nor  received  the  grace  of  God  iu 
vain.'* 

Thus  much  in  general,  that  you  may  all  have  something 
whereby  to  try  your  spirits,  and  to  know  whether  you  have  em- 
braced the  good  of  the  Lord's  chosen  people. f  If  your  good 
does  not  lie  in  such  things  as  I  have  mentioned,  you  have  no 
durable  riches,  nothing  but  what  you  must  soon  leave  behind 
you.  Can  you  be  content  to  be  stripped  of  all,  and  to  enter 
poor,  naked,  and  friendless,  into  an  eternal  worlil  ?  O  that  you 
would  take  our  Lord's  advice.  He  might  command,  for  he  has 
all  authority  ;  but  he  says,  '  I  counsel  thee  to  buy  of  me  gold 
tried  in  the  fire,  that  thou  mayest  be  rich  ;  and  white  raiment, 
that  thou  mayest  he  clothed,  and  that  ilie  shame  of  thy  nakedness 
do  not  appear  ;  and  anoint  thine  eyes  with  eye-salve,  that  thou 
mayest  see.'J 

But  some  there  are  whose  hearts  can  go  along  with  me  in 
what  I  have  said.  The  great  God  himself  is  your  good.  His 
word  and  ordinances,  your  profession  of  his  name,  and  your  ex- 
perience of  his  goodness,  are  what  you  rejoice  in.  To  you,  then, 
I  address  the  rest  of  my  discourse.  '  Let  not  your  good  be  evil 
spoken  of.' 

I  am, 

IL  To  explain  and  apply  this  advice.  The  words  plainly  im- 
ply two  things. 

1,  That  there  are  many  ready  enough  to  speak  evil  of  your 
good  ;  many  who  despise  the  Gospel,  and  you  for  professing  it  : 
they  watch  for  your  halting,  and  will  be  glad  of  the  smallest  oc- 
casion to  expose  you.  The  world,  thut  loves  its  own,  will  make 
allowances  in  other  cases.  Lidiscretions,  and  even  vices,  will  be 
charged  to  the  account  of  human  infirmity,  and  the  amiable  name 
of  candour  shall  be  employed  to  conceal  or  palliate  such  things 
as  can  by  no  means  be  justified.  But  if  you  are  a  professed  be- 
liever in  Jesus  you  must  not  expect  this  candour  will  be  extended 
to  you;  rather  all  your  words  and  actions  will  be  sifted,  your 
mistakes  exaggerated  ;  and  if  any  part  of  your  conduct  will  bear 
a  double  construction,  it  will  generally  be  viewed  in  the  most  un- 
favourable light.  Nay,  even  when  there  is  no  just  occasion  af- 
forded, falsehoods  and  calumnies  have  been  and  will  be  industri- 

*2.Pet.i.  16.     2Cor.  vi.  I.  fPs.  cvi.4,  5.  t  Rev.  iii.  18. 


Ser.  14.]  AGAINST  misconduct.  170 

ously  propairated  against  the  servants  of  Christ. *"  Tha^  it  must 
be  so,  we  are  o'len  warned  by  Scripture,  and  it  is  abuniantly  con- 
firmed by  experience. 

2.  That  though  it  is  impossible  \vh0ll3' to  stop  the  mouths  of 
evil-minded  men,  yet  they  would  not  be  able  to  talk  so  fast  if  the 
imprudence  of  believers  did  not  too  often  afford  them  advantage. 
That  such  occasions  should  sometimes  be  given  by  those  whose 
hearts  and  aims  are  in  the  main  sincere,  will  not  be  thought 
strange  to  any  person  who  is  acquainted  with  the  true  state  of 
human  nature.  Through  inadvertence,  want  of  experience,  er- 
rors of  judgment,  sudden  and  unexpected  tempta  ions,  and  other 
evils  inseparable  from  our  present  situation,  persons,  whose  chief 
desire  is  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  their  God  and  Saviour  in  all 
things,  may,  and  do,  in  some  instances,  cause  their  good  to  be 
evil  spoken  of.  It  is,  however,  our  bounden  duty,  as  we  regard 
the  honour  of  God  and  his  truth,  to  endeavour  as  much  as  possi- 
ble, to  '  cut  off  occasion  from  them'f  that  seek  occasion  in  this 
respect. 

In  order  to  this,  let  us  inquire  what  are  the  most  common  ob- 
jections which  are  made  against  the  Gospel-preaching  and  proles- 
slon,  not  only  by  malicious  enemies,  but  sometimes  by  persons 
who  discover  no  very  bad  intention,  but  are  partly  imposed  upon 
by  the  misrepresentations  of  others,  and  partly  stumijied  by  the 
faults  of  professors  ? 

1st.  It  is  objected  that  our  doctrine  lays  no  sufficient  stress 
upon  good  works.  We  dare  not,  indeed,  recommend  them  out 
of  their  proper  place,  or  propose  them  as  the  ground  of  our  ac- 
ceptance with  God.  But  I  hope  none  who  attend  here  will  dare 
to  say  that  they  are  not  frequently  reminded,  that  '  without  lioli- 
ness  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord. 'J  However,  the  world  wil!  'udge 
more  bv  what  they  see  in  you,  than  by  what  they  hear  from  mc. 
Be  upon  your  guard,  therefore,  lest  by  any  instances  of  a  trifling, 
ibolish,  unkind,  or  unjust  conduct,  you  let  your  good  be  evil  spo- 
ken of  It  will  not  be  a  sufficient  apology  to  say  that  your  prin- 
ciples do  not  allow  of  these  things,  if  those  who  know  you  can 
charge  them  upon  vour  practice. 

2dly.  It  is  further  objected  that  the  evangelical  system  is  a 
scheme  chiefly  made  up  of  notions  and  subtle  distinctions,  and 
opens  a  door  to  a  thousand  disputes.  This  is  one  unhappy  con- 
sequence of  our  many  divisions  and  subdivisions,  antl  the  heat 
with  which  they  are  contended  for  by  their  respective  partisans. 
Let  this  engage  you  to  avoid  a  disputing,  contentious  spirit.    '  Be 

"3IaU.  V.  11.  £  Cor.  xi.  12.       1  Pct.ii.  1E> 

;  Hcb.  xii.  Ik 


180  BELIEVERS    CACTHONEIJ.  [Scr.  14. 

swift  to  hear,  slow  to  speak  ;'*  and  when  a  reason  is  asked  '  of 
the  hope  that  is  in  3'ou,'f  give  your  answers  with  meekness  and 
fear,  lest  you  cause  your  good  to  be  evil  spoken  of. 

3dly.  It  is  likewise  a  very  common  objection,  that  a  usual  ef- 
fect of  this  doctrine  is  to  make  people  idle  and  careless  with  re- 
gard to  the  necessary  concerns  and  business  of  life.  Indeed  I 
should  not  be  unwilling  to  plead  with  candid  and  fair  reasoners, 
in  behalf  of  young  converts  on  this  point.  At  first  setting  out, 
the  change  is  so  great,  their  views  of  eternal  things  so  strong  and 
affecting,  that,  considering  human  infirmit}',  it  can  hardly  be 
otherwise  but  that  the  attention  will  be  almost  entirely  taken  up 
with  them  for  a  season.  While  a  sense  of  unpardoned  sin  is  fix- 
ed upon  the  conscience,  and  a  person,  now  duly  aware  of  the  un- 
certainty of  life,  is  in  suspense  about  the  greatest  of  all  concerns, 
and  knows  not  how  or  whither  he  shall  be  able  to  flee  from  the 
wrath  to  come,  it  is  no  wonder  if  this  solicitude  should,  in  a  great 
measure,  swallow  up  his  thoughts,  and  leave  him  but  little  either 
leisure  or  ability  to  attend  to  other  concerns,  which,  however 
proper  in  their  respective  places,  are  confessedly,  in  comparison 
of  this,  of  little  or  no  importance.  In  like  manner,  the  removal 
of  this  burden  is  usually  accompanied  with  such  a  lively  sense  of 
the  wisdom,  love,  power,  and  grace  of  God,  revealed  in  Christ 
Jesus  by  the  Gospel,  as  may  for  a  little  while  almost  overpower 
and  extinguish  the  apprehension  of  inferior  things.  But  if  this 
indifierence  about  common  duties  continues  very  long,  or  is  in- 
dulged to  an  extreme,  it  gives  great  and  just  ofience.  It  causes 
the  ways  of  truth  to  be  evil  spoken  of,  and  we  hardly  know  what 
to  say,  but  this.  That  the  fault  is  not  owing  to  the  Gospel,  but  to 
the  neglect  of  what  the  Gospel  teaches  and  enjoins.  This  is  no 
new  inconvenience  ;  the  apostles  observed  and  reproved  it  in  their 
day.  There  were  such  mistaken  persons  among  the  Thessaloui- 
ans,  who  supposed  or  pretended  that  the  Gospel  exempted  them 
from  labour.  Of  these  he  says,  'Now  them  that  are  such  we 
exhort  and  command,  that  with  quietness  they  work,  and  eat  their 
own  bread  ;'  and  further  directs,  '  that  if  any  would  not  work, 
neither  should  he  eat.'|  The  Sabbath  is  the  Lord's  ;  and  the 
same  command  which  forbids  us  to  do  any  work  then,  requires  us 
to  labour  on  the  other  six  days.  '  Let  not  your  good  be  evil 
spoken  of  Be  faithful  to  your  trust,  diligent  in  3'our  business,  do 
every  thing  heartily  as  unto  the  Lord,  and  not  unto  men.  Give 
no  one  just  cause  to  say,  that  since  you  have  become  religious 
you  care  not  (as  the  phrase  is)  which  end  goes  foremost ;  for  this 

*  James  i.  1».  f  1  Pet.  iii.  15.  J  2  Thess.  iii.  10—12. 


Ser.    11.]  AGAINST    MISCONDUCT.  181 

would  be  to  put  a  stumbling-block  in  their  way,  and  to  increase 
their  prejudices  against  the  truth. 

4thl y.  Once  more :  The  Gospel  doctrine  is  charged  with  weak- 
ening the  bands  of  natural  and  social  relation  ;  that  it  makes 
children  and  servants  heady,  high-minded,  and  disobedient,  so 
that  they  presently  think  themselves  wiser  than  all  about  them, 
and  are  obstinately  bent  to  have  their  own  wills.  This  objection 
will  indeed  cleave  to  the  Gospel  so  long  as  the  spirit  of  the  world 
and  the  Spirit  of  God  are  opposite  to  each  other.  For  cases  will 
inevitably  arise  where  we  must  either  displease  God  or  man,  and 
then  we  ought  not  to  hesitate  a  moment.  But  professors  should 
take  care  to  be  assured  that  there  is  such  a  necessity  before  they 
act  against  lawful  authority:  and  especially  when  the  point  in 
dispute  lies  between  children  and  parents.  For  though  we  ought 
to  disobey  and  forsake  father  and  mother  when  God's  commands 
require  it ;  yet  next,  under  God,  parents  are  above  all  to  be  hon- 
oured, consulted,  and  obeyed  :  and  the  excepted  cases  are  not  near 
so  numerous  as  persons  in  the  warmth  of  their  first  zeal  are  apt 
to  suppose.  The  enemy  suits  his  temptations  to  our  occasions  ; 
and  it  is  no  uncommon  thing  to  be  drawn  to  act  violently  in  our 
own  spirits,  while  we  imagine  we  are  striving  in  the  cause  of  God 
and  truth. 

In  short,  we  are  directed  to  examine  ourselves,  and  others  are 
allowed  to  examine  us  by  our  fruits.  The  people  of  the  world 
are  not  proper  judges  of  spiritual  experiences,  but  they  can  judge 
tolerably  right  of  tempers  and  actions.  Some  will  watch  3'ou 
out  of  ill-will,  and  some  will  observe  you  for  information.  If  they 
hear  you  have  begun  to  make  a  religious  profession,  they  will 
take  notice  to  see  if  30U  are  the  better  for  it.  They  will  observe 
you  not  only  in  the  church,  but  in  the  shop  and  in  the  house  ; 
and  if  they  perceive  you  are  all  of  a  piece,  steady,  quiet,  hum- 
ble, diligent,  who  knows  but  this  may  be  a  means  in  the  hand  of 
God  to  win  upon  them,  and  to  give  them  a  more  favourable  re- 
gard to  the  means  which  have  wrought  so  effectually  on  you  ? 
But,  on  the  contrary,  if  you  are  imprudent,  rash,  and  careless,  if 
you  either  conform  to  the  world,  or  neglect  your  acknowledged 
duty  in  it,  you  will  cause  your  good  to  be  evil  spoken  of,  bring 
difficulties  upon  yourselves,  and  put  it  out  of  your  own  power  to 
be  useful  to  others.  Pray,  therefore,  for  wisdom  and  grace,  to 
make  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they,  seeing  your  good 
works,  may  glorify  your  Father  who  is  in  heaven.  This  is  the 
great  design  and  proper  efiect  of  the  Gospel,  when  rightly  un- 
derstood. For  as  it  is  the  grace  of  God  alone  which  bringeth  sal- 
vation ;  so  this  grace  not  only  enlightens  the  understanding,  but 
purifies  the  heart,  regulates  the  conduct,  vrorks  by  love,  and  over- 


J 82  BELIEVERS  CAUTIONED,  &;c.  [Ser.   11. 

comes  the  world.  It  effectually  teaches  and  enforces  (what  the 
best  schemes  of  morality  and  philosophy  have  always  failed  in) 
the  denial  of  all  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts  ;*  and  by  the  mo- 
tives it  displays,  and  the  strength  it  communicates,  enables  the 
true  Christian  to  adorn  his  character  in  every  relation,  and  to 
fdi  up  the  whole  circle  of  duty  as  it  respects  himself,  his  neigh- 
bour, and  the  God  with  whom  he  has  to  do.  It  teaches  to  live 
soberly,  righteously,  and  godly  ;  to  avoid  whatsoever  is  contrary 
to  the  purity  of  the  Gospel  ;  to  practise  moderation  in  the  use 
even  of  lawful  things  ;  and  to  do  unto  others  as  we  would  they 
should  do  unto  us.  It  teaches  tiie  rich  to  be  humble  and  bounti- 
ful, the  poor  to  be  thankful  and  resigned.  It  teaches  superiors  to 
be  kind,  inferiors  to  be  faithful.  Husbands  and  wives,  parents 
and  children,  masters  and  servants,  magistrates  and  people,  are 
all  instructed  b}'  this  grace  to  a  conduct  ansvverable  to  their  high 
calling,  and  to  the  common  relation  they  stand  in  to  him  who  has 
Joved  them  and  washed  them  from  their  sins  in  his  own  blood. 
For  the  morality  of  the  Gospel  has  a  nobler  spring,  and  a  more 
extensive  scope,  than  the  ties  of  social  life.  Their  sobriety  and 
righteousness  are  not  substituted  in  the  place  of  vital  godliness, 
but  are  the  fruits  derived  from  it.  The  grace  of  God  teaches 
them  to  live  godly,  to  deli ;;  at  in  him,  to  obey  him,  to  do  every 
thing  for  his  sake,  as  undfer  his  eye,  and  to  be  continualW  govern- 
ed by  a  sense  of  his  unspeakable  love  mrjuifestcd  in  his  Son,  and 
^  an  expectation  of  the  blessed  hope  set  before  us,  the  glorious 
appearance  of  the  great  God,  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who 
gave  himself  for  us,  that  by  his  blood  and  Spirit  he  might  redeem 
us  from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto  himself  a  peculiar  people, 
zealous  of  good  works.'  Labour  to  show  tiiat  you  are  not  only 
called  by  his  name,  but  have  sat  at  his  feet  and  drank  of  his  spir- 
it ;  and  if,  after  all,  unreasonable  and  wicked  men  will  speak  evil 
of  you  and  your  good,  be  not  moved  at  it,  but  pity  and  pray  for 
them.  When  he  shall  return  to  vindicate  your  cause,  and  wipe 
away  your  reproach,  then  '  every  cloud  shall  be  removed,  and  the 
righteous  shall  shine  forth  as  the  sun  in  the  kingdom  of  their 
Father.'! 

-  Titus  iL  1 1— 1  :>.  +  Matt.  xlii.  45. 


SERMON  XV 


THE  EXTENT  AND  SANCTION  OF  THE  THIRD  COMMAND- 
MENT. 


ExoD.  XX.  7. 

Thou  shall  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain ;  for  the  Lord  will 
not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taktth  his  name  in  vain. 

The  foundation  of  true  religion  is  laid  in  a  right  knowledge  of 
God  and  ourselves.  How  deficient  we  are  in  each  of  these,  how 
far  fallen  from  original  righteousness,  is  strongly  imjjlied  in  this 
prohibition  ;  wiiich  would  be  wholly  unnecessary,  if  we  were  not 
wholly  sunk  in  stupidity  and  wickedness.  That  such  worms  as 
we  should  be  liable  to  trifle  with  the  Divine  Majesty,  whose  pres- 
ence (ills  the  heaven  and  the  earth,  before  whonn  the  angels  hide 
their  faces  ;  that  such  frail  dependent  creatures  have  need  to  be 
cautioned,  that  we  do  not  profane  the  name  of  the  God  in  whom  we 
live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being,  is  a  striking  proof  of  our  de- 
pravity ;  and  that  we  can  dare  to  break  tiirough  this  caution,  and 
slight  the  awful  threatening  with  which  it  is  closed,  is  a  dreadful 
aggravation  of  our  guilt. 

These  words,  when  first  spoken  to  the  Israelites,  were  delivered 
in  flames  and  thunder.  The  mountain  shook,  the  people  trem- 
bled, and  even  Moses,  who  had  been  honoured  with  peculiar 
freedom  of  access  to  God,  was  constrained  to  cry,  '  1  exceedingly 
fear  and  quake. '^  Such  a  scene,  or  rather  infinitely  more 
dreadful,  shall  hereafter  take  place,  '  when  the  Lord  himself 
shall  again  descend  from'  heaven  with  a  shout,  with  the  voice 
of  the  archangel,  and  the  trurup  of  God  ;  when  he  shall  be 
revealed  in  flaming  nre,  to  take  vengeance  of  all  who  know  him 
not,  and  obey  not  his  Gospel. 'f  '  Then  shall  sinners  be  con- 
vinced, not  only  of  their  ungodly  deeds,  but  of  all  their  hard 
speeches  which  they  have  spoken  against  him  yj  and  they  shall 
know  the  full  meaning  of  that  terrible  exception  which  1  have 
read,  '  that  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  bi- 
namein  vain.' 

*  Heb.  xii.2l.  f  1  Tliess.  iv.  IG...   2  Tliess  i.  3.  i.  Jade  lb. 


184  OF  TIIK  THIRD  COMMANDMENT.  [Scr.   15, 

The  terms  of  my  text  require  little  explanation.  The  name 
of  God  is  in  every  one's  mouth,  upon  one  occasion  or  other,  in 
places  where  his  revealed  will  is  known,  in  a  more  eminent 
and  peculiar  sense  his  name  is  discovered  to  his  believing  people 
in  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord  ;  those  who  know  the  name*  of  God 
in  Christ  will  put  their  trust  in  him  ;  they  dare  not,  they  cannot 
blaspheme  that  holy  name  by  which  they  are  called.  But  I 
shall  take  it  more  extensively  here  ;  for  though  but  few  under- 
stand the  name  of  God  in  an  evangelical  and  saving  sense, 
there  is  not  a  person  in  this  assembly  but  knows  and  makes  men- 
tion of  his  holy  name,  so  far  as  to  render  them  transgressors  of 
this  commandment.  To  take  his  name  in  vain,  is  to  use  it  false- 
ly or  profanely,  inconsiderately,  without  due  reverence,  or  un- 
profitably,  and  witiiout  a  suitable  necessity.  The  sanction,  '  the 
Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless,'  has  indeed  a  meaning  and 
emphasis  beyond  what  is  expressed.  Similar  forms  of  speaking 
are  frequent  in  Scripture,  as,  '  the  Lord  will  not  spare  that 
man  ;'f  that  is,  he  will  punish  him  to  the  uttermost ;  for  it  is  im- 
mediately added,  '  all  the  curses  of  this  book  shall  come  upon 
him.'  Again,  'he  spared  not  the  angels;'  that  is,  he  showed 
them  no  mercy,  as  the  following  words  declare  :  '  he  spared  not 
the  old  world,'  he  visited  them  with  utter  destruction,  and  swept 
them  all  away  with  a  flood.  So,  'he  will  not  hold  him  guilt- 
less,' implies  two  things:  1st.  That  the  Lord  God  has  appointed 
a  day  to  call  sinners  to  an  account  for  their  words,  as  well  as 
their  actions.  2dly.  That  whatever  shall  become  of  others,  those 
who  have  presumed  to  take  his  name  in  vain  iiave  their  doom 
already  determined.  Whoever  escapes,  they  shall  be  surely  pun- 
ished ;  whoever  he  acquits,  he  will  certainly  condemn  them. 

As  the  import  of  the  expressions  is  not  difficult,  so  likewise  it 
will  be  far  more  easy  than  agreeable  to  point  out  some  of  the 
many  ways  in  which  this  commandment  is  customarily  and  casT- 
lessK^  broken.  The  law  in  general,  and  each  particular  precept, 
is  spiritual,^  and  perhaps  this  will  be  found  of  a  more  extensive 
signification  than  some  of  you  are  aware.  The  delightful  theme 
of  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  is  to  preach  Jesus  Christ,  and  him 
crucified  ;  to  open  the  treasures  of  divine  mercy,  and  to  show 
the  grace,  freeness,  and  security  of  the  promises ;  to  raise  up 
them  that  fall,  to  strengthen  those  that  stand  ;  '  to  support  the 
weak,  to  comfort  the  feeble-minded  ;  to  preach  deliverance  to  the 
captives,  and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to  them  that  are  bound. '§ 
But  these  subjects  do  not  comprise  the  whole  of  our  message; 

*  Psalm  ix.  10.  |  Deut.  xxix.  ilO.  2  Pet.  ii.  4.  5.  t  Rom.  vii.  1  %. 

\  1  Thess.  V.  11.  Luke  iv.  18. 


Ser.  15.]  OF  the  third  commandment.  185 

and,  in  general,  we  find  that  the  full  soul  loathed  the  honey- 
comb ;*  and  multitudes,  through  ignorance  of  the  spirituality 
and  purity  of  God's  holy  law,  and  a  partial  judgment  of  their 
own  hearts,  can  neither  see  the  beauty  nor  the  necessity  of  the 
Gospel-salvation.  We  are  therefore  constrained  frequently  to  in- 
sist on  far  less  pleasing  subjects,  to  lift  up  our  voices  like  a 
trumpet,!  to  demand  a  general  attention  while  we  attempt  to 
show  our  hearers  their  transgressions  and  their  sins,  that  we  may 
thereby  make  the  doctrine  of  the  cross  of  Christ  welcome  and 
desirable.  It  is  painful  to  the  patient,  and  without  doubt  un- 
pleasing  to  the  humane  artist,  to  probe  a  deep  and  dangerous 
Avound  ;  but  necessity  commands,  and  without  it  a  complete  and 
lasting  cure  is  not  to  be  expected. 

1.  The  first  and  most  direct  way  in  which  the  name  of  God  is 
taken  in  vain,  is  by  perjury ;  that  is,  when  he  is  expressly  ap- 
pealed to  in  confirmation  of  what  is  false,  or  when  engagements 
are  made  as  in  his  name  and  presence,  which  are  not  strictly  and 
literally  complied  with.  I  need  not  take  up  your  time  in  proving 
that  this  is  a  sin  of  a  deep  dye  in  itself,  and  attended  with  pecul- 
iar aggravations  under  the  light  of  the  Gospel ;  and  I  w  ish  it  was 
more  difficult  to  to  prove  the  frequency  of  it  in  our  land  ;  but 
this,  likewise,  is  as  obvious  as  the  light.  I  have  sometimes  met 
with  a  random  assertion,  that  though  we  are  wicked  enough,  we 
are  not  worse  than  others  countries.  In  other  things  1  am  con- 
tent to  wave  the  parallel ;  but  with  respect  to  the  sin  of  perjury, 
I  fear  we  are  much  worse  than  any  nation  now^  under  the  sun, 
perhaps  worse  than  any  that  the  sun  ever  saw.  I  am  afraid  there 
are  more  and  more  daring  instances  of  this  wickedness  amongst 
us  than  in  all  the  rest  of  Europe.  By  an  unhappy  kind  of  ne- 
cessity it  is  interwoven,  as  it  were,  with  the  very  constitution  of 
the  body  politic,  and  diffuses  itself,  like  a  deadly  contagion, 
amongst  all  orders  and  ranks  of  people.  Oaths  are  so  excessive- 
ly multiplied,  and  so  generally  neglected,  that  it  is  equally  diffi- 
cult and  rare  for  a  person  to  engage,  through  a  course  of  years, 
in  any  kind  of  employment,  either  civil  or  commercial,  (O  that 
it  stopped  even  here  !)  without  being  ensnared.  Some  arc  so 
expressed  that  it  is  morally  impossible  to  comply  with  them  ; 
others  so  circumstnnced  that  they  are  usually  swallowed  without 
the  remotest  design  of  regarding  them,  either  in  whole  or  in  part. 
If  here  and  there  a  few  make  conscience  of  their  engagements, 
and  are  desirous  to  perform  to  the  Lord  their  oaths,  J  or  decline 
taking  such  as  open  a  door  either  to  honour  or  profit,  so  strong  is 
the  torrent  the  other  way.  that  it  is  well  if  they  escape  the  charge 

*Prov.  xxvii.  7.  f  Isa.  Iviii.  1.  t  Matt.  v.  33. 

Vol.  IL  24  T' 


ISO  THE  EXTENT  AND   SANCTION  [SCF.   15 . 

of  singularity  and  preciseness.  Though  wickedness  of  every 
kind  too  much  abounds  amongst  us,  perjury  is  perhaps  peculiarly 
and  eminently  our  national  sin  ;  and  1  tremble  to  think  it  is  so  : 
for  it  gives  too  just  a  ground  to  fear  the  approach  of  national 
judgments.  Surely  all  who  have  any  regard  for  the  honour  of 
God,  any  sense  of  the  worth  of  souls,  will  pray  earnestly  that 
this  iniquity  may  not  be  our  ruin,  but  that  the  Lord  would  be 
pleased  to  inspire  and  succeed  the  most  proper  means  for  the  re- 
moval, or  at  least  the  mitigation  of  this  evil.  This  would  be  an 
event  worthy  to  stand  in  the  annals  of  the  happy  times  and  au- 
spicious government  under  which  we  live. 

2.  And  though  the  matter  of  an  oath  be  strictly  true,  yet  if  it 
is  not  transacted  with  a  serious  acknowledgment  and  homage  of 
that  divine  Being  to  whom  appeal  is  made ;  such  an  oath, 
however  lawful  and  necessary  it  may  be  in  itself,  is,  with  regard 
to  all  such  thoughtless  triflers,  no  better  than  taking  the  name  of 
God  in  vain.  It  cannot  but  be  grievous  to  every  serious  mind, 
to  observe  the  little  reverence  and  solemnity,  or  rather  the  total 
want  of  common  decency,  which  too  frequently  prevails  among 
us  in  this  respect ;  so  that  sometimes  it  is  not  easy  to  say,  \v  heth- 
er  those  who  tender  the  oath,  or  those  who  take  it,  seem  least  in 
earnest.  Without  doubt  this  indifference  may  be  assigned  as  one 
cause  of  the  increase  and  prevalence  of  perjury.  If  those  who 
are  authorized  to  require  or  receive  those  soleuui  appeals,  were 
themselves  impressed  with  a  due  reverence  of  the  awful  majesty 
of  God,  and  were  solicitous  to  inspire  all  who  came  before  then* 
with  the  same  sentiments,  and  would  remind  them  (those  espe- 
cially who  appear  very  positive  and  unguarded)  of  the  impiety 
and  danger  of  swearing  falsely,  it  is  possible  many  mischiefs 
would  be  prevented.  Some  persons  would  probably  tremble  and 
start  back  from  the  first  temptation  to  this  wickedness ;  and  oth- 
ers might  be  deterred  from  persisting  in  it,  who,  for  want  of  such 
admonitions  and  examples  ;  and  because  they  never  saw  any  so- 
lemnity observed,  precipitately  rush  upon  this  enormous  evil,^ 
and  are  at  length  given  up  to  a  dreadful  habit  of  wilful  and  cor- 
rupt perjury. 

3.  If  an  oath,  lawful  and  necessary  in  itself,  may  thus  become 
criminal  through  inconsideration,  what  shall  we  say  of  the  throng 
of  profane  swearers,  who  wound  our  ears,  and  pollute  our  lan- 
guage, by  a  horrid  mixture  of  execrations  and  blasphemies,  in 
their  common  conversation  :"  '  Their  throats  are  an  open  sepul- 
chre ;  their  mouths  are  full  of  cursing  and  bitterness,  the  poisott 
of  asps  is  under  their  lips.'*     This  I  have  to  sa3'  from  the  word 

■••  Rom.  iii.  13.  11. 


J5er.    15. J  OF    THE    THIRD    COMMANDMENT.  187 

of  God,  that  the  Lord  will  not  hold  them  guiltless.  In  vain  their 
thoughtless  plea,  that  tlicy  Jiiean  no  harm  ;  in  vain  their  pre- 
sumptuous comparison  of  themselves  with  others,  as  though  these 
were  trivial  escapes  that  did  not  ad'ect  the  peace  of  society.  If 
these  were  small  sins  singly,  their  frefjucney  would  swell  to  a 
vast  amount  :  but  is  it,  indeed,  a  small  sin  to  rush  against  the 
thick  bosses  of  God's  buckler,  and  to  despise  so  terrible  a  threat- 
ening as  this  ?  Surely,  '  the  plague  shall  never  depart  from 
the  house  of  the  swearer.'  '  As  he  clothed  himself  with  cursing 
like  as  with  his  garment  :  so  it  shall  enter  into  his  bowels 
like  water,  and  like  oil  into  his  bones.'*  A  habit  of  swearing 
is  a  sure  sign,  not  only  of  an  unsanctified  heart,  but  of  a  con- 
science hlirdened,  and,  as  it  were,  seared  with  a  hot  iron,  callous, 
and  quite  insensible. 

4.  Some  persons  who  scruple  expressly  to  mention  the  name 
of  God,  accustom  themselves  to  swear  by  his  creatures,  by  the 
heavens,  by  the  light,  or  by  their  own  souls,  &tc.  But  that  this 
likewise  is  a  direct  violation  of  the  law,  and  exposes  to  the  same 
penalties,  we  are  assured  by  him  who  best  knew  how  to  explain 
his  own  connnands.  Our  Lord  determines  this  jjoint  in  his  ser- 
mon on  the  mount,  so  as  not  to  leave  the  possibility  of  a  doubt. 
*  I  say  unto  you,  Swear  not  at  all;  neither  by  heaven,  for  it  is 
God's  throne;  nor  by  the  earth,  for  it  is  his  footstool.  Neither 
shalt  thou  swear  by  thy  head,  because  thou  canst  not  make  one 
hair  thereof  white  «r  black. 'f  '  And  whoso  shall  swear  by  the 
temple  sweareth  by  it,  and  by  him  that  dwelleth  therein  ;  and 
he  that  shall  swear  by  heaven,  sweareth  by  the  throne  of 
God,  and  by  him  that  sitteth  thereon. '|  '  But  let  your  commu- 
nications be  Yea,  yea,  Nay,  nay  ;  for  whatsoever  is  more  than 
these  comcth  of  evil.'  This  decision  evidently  condemns,  not 
only  what  is  usually  deemed  swearing,  but  the  whole  multitude  of 
idle  expletives,  whether  fashionable  or  vulgar,  which  have  the  force 
of  affirmations  in  comuion  discourse.  Will  any  who  live  in  a 
Christian  country,  and  have  the  Bible  at  hand,  think  to  plead 
ignorance  of  these  things  in  the  great  day  ? 

5.  If  I  should  stop  here,  some  of  you  would  applaud  your- 
selves, and  perhaps  not  be  displeased  with  mc  for  wiiat  I  have 
hitherto  said.  Soine  who  think  themselves  clear  thus  far,  will 
join  with  me  in  saying,  '  Because  of  swearing,  the  land  mourns. '(f^ 
IJut  are  there  no  other  ways  of  taking  the  name  of  God  in  vain.'" 
Yes  ;  many  do  it  as  often  as  they  pray  :  and  it  is  easily  proved 
against  numbers  who  join  in  our  established  worship.     Let  each 

*  Psalm  cijc.  17,  18.  i  Matt.  v.  34— .'J(i. 

::  Matt,  xxiii.  21,  22.  v^  Jer.  xxiii.  10. 


ISS  THE    EXTENT    AND    SANCTION  [Scr.   15- 

one  consider  with  what  dispositions  and  desires  they  have  en- 
gaged in  the  service  we  have  ah'eady  gone  through  this  day. 
Our  mouths  have  all  spoken  the  same  things  ;  but  have  they  been 
the  language  of  our  hearts  r  In  the  confession  we  acknowledgic 
that '  there  is  no  health  in  us,'  and  speak  as  if  we  were  true  peni- 
tents. In  the  communion-service,  we  cry  for  mercy  as  miserable 
sinners  ;  we  pray  that  the  '  thoughts  of  our  hearts  may  be  cleans- 
ed by  the  inspnation  of  God's  holy  Spirit  ;  that  we  may  perfectly 
love  him,  and  worthily  magnifv  his  holy  name  ;  and  for  this  we 
appeal  to  God,  as  •  to  w  horn  all  hearts  are  open,  all  desires  known, 
and  from  whom  no  secrets  are  hid,'  More  than  a  iew  of  you, 
at  certain  seasons,  publicly  declare,  that  the  remembrance  of  your 
sins  is  grievous,  and  the  burthen  of  them  is  intolera})l&.'  Now, 
what  apprehensions  can  such  of  you  have  of  God  as  can  dare  to 
use  this  solemn  language,  w  hen  your  hearts  mean  no  such  thing  ? 

Is  not  this  to  take  his  name  in  vain  in  the  grossest  manner  r  Is 
it  not  plain  that  you  think  him  altogether  such  a  one  as  your- 
selves ;*  nay,  more  easily  imposed  upon,  and  more  safely  to  be 
trifled  w  ith,  than  a  fallible  mortal  ?  Strange  it  is  to  think,  that 
many  can  not  only  content  themselves  with  this  lip-service,  but 
make  it  the  meritorious  ground  of  their  hope,  and  conceit  them- 
selves religious  because  they  come  so  often  to  church  to  mock 
the  power  that  made  them  !  But  hardly  can  any  wickedness  be 
imagined  more  daring,  and  more  dreadfulU'  provoking  to  the 
Most  High,  than  such  a  religion  as  this.  To  all  such  w  orshippei*s 
I  raa\-  address  those  striking  words  of  St. Peter  to  Ananias, '  thou 
hast  not  lied  unto  men,  but  unto  God.'f 

6.  The  w  hole  lives  of  those  who  live  in  the  allow  ed  practice  of 
known  sin.  under  the  profession  of  the  Christian  name,  may  be 
considered  as  one  continual  breach  of  this  command.  In  all  you 
say  and  do,  yon  blaspheme  that  holy  name  by  which  you  are 
called  ;  and  still  more  so,  if  you  are  declared  friends  and  favour- 
ers of  evangelical  preaching.  By  your  means,  the  ways  of  truth 
are  evil  spoken  of.'t  You  give  occasion  to  those  ofl'ences  of 
which  it  is  said,  '  Wo  to  that  man  by  w  hom  the  ofience  comelh.' 
li  on  injure  the  cause  of  Christ,  stumble  the  weak  in  the  faith^ 
grieve  the  hearts  of  all  who  love  the  Lord,  and  make  his  ene- 
mies rejoice.  '  Better  it  would  have  been  for  you  never  to  have 
known  the  ways  of  righteousness,'^  than  thus  to  abuse  your 
knowledge.  You  are  now  mingled  with  his  faithful  servants,  as 
the  chaff  is  blended  with  the  wheat  upon  the  floor. ||  But,  '  be- 
hold, the  judge  standeth  at  the  door.'     His  fan  is  in  his  hand,  he 

*  Psalm  1.21.  f  Acts.  v.  4.  t  2  Pet.  ii.  2.     Matt,  xviii.  7. 

^2Pet.ii.  21.  11  Matt.  iii.  1-J.    James  v.  9. 


Ser.  15.]  OF  the  third  commandment.  189 

will  thoroughly  purge  his  floor  ;  and  when  he  gathers  the  wheat 
into  his  garner,  you  will  be  consumed,  like  stubble  before  th^ 
flarae  of  his  indignation.  What  distress  and  remorse  will  seize 
your  hearts,  when  you  shall  see  them  with  whom  you  have  often 
joined  in  the  same  ordinances,  that  have  lived  with  you  under 
the  same  roof,  dined  at  the  same  table,  perhaps  slept  in  the  same 
bed,  when  you  shall  see  them  received  into  the  kingdom,  and 
you  yourselves  excluded,  and  thrust  into  that  utter  darkness.* 
where  there  is  weeping  and  wailing,  and  gnashing  of  teeth  for 
ever  .'" 

From  this  subject  we  may  observe,  by  way  of  inference  and 
application, 

1 .  The  truth  and  propriety  of  that  Scripture,  '  We  know  that 
what  things  soever  the  law  saith,  it  saith  to  them  that  are  under 
the  law  ;  mat  every  mouth  may  be  stopped,  and  all  the  world 
may  become  guilty  before  God.'j  What  person  in  this  assembly 
can  plead  guiltless  to  every  part  of  this  charge  .'  Must  we  not 
all  stand  silent  and  self-condemned  .'  and  if  you  are  a  transgres- 
sor, what  can  you  do,  either  to  repair  the  dishonour  you  have 
offered  to  the  Divine  Majesty,  or  to  prevent  the  contagious  effects 
of  your  own  evil  example .'  Nothing  can  be  more  false  thau  a 
too  frequent  form  of  speech  amongst  us.  When  a  man  of  some 
amiable  qualifications  in  social  life  tramples  without  fear  upon  the 
laws  of  God,  how  often  is  it  said,  by  way  of  extenuation,  he  is  no 
one's  enemy  but  his  own  I  when,  indeed,  his  practice  declares 
him  to  be  an  enemy  of  God,  an  enemy  to  his  holiness  and  gov- 
ernment ;  and  he  is  a  most  mischievous  enerny  to  all  who  live 
under  his  influence,  and  within  the  circle  of  his  acqaintance, 
l>y  tempting  and  encouraging  them  to  sin.  to  the  hazard  of 
their  souls.  Things  standing  thus  with  all  men  by  nature,  with 
what  language  can  we  answer  the  law's  demands  .'  Must 
we  not  adopt  the  pathetic  confession  of  the  prophet  .'  •  For 
this  our  heart  is  faint ;  for  these  things  our  eyes  are  dim.  The 
crown  is  fallen  from  our  heads  :  wo  unto  us  that  we  have 
sinned  !'| 

2.  The  necessity  and  value  of  the  Gospel  ;  otherwise  how  can 
you  escape  the  penalty,  and  stand  acquitted  before  the  supreme 
Judge  r  If  you  refu-e  this,  •  there  remaineth  no  other  sacrifice 
for  sin.'^  But  if  you  humble  yourself,  and  apply  to  Jesus,  there 
is  yet  hope.  He  died  for  sinners,  the  chief  of  sinners,  and  the 
greatest  of  sins.  For  his  sake,  all  manner  of  sin  and  blasphemy 
is  pardonable  :  '  he  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost.'  But  be  must 
do  the  whole,    and   have  all   the    glory.     Believe   in  his  name. 

*Lukexiii.28.        f  Rom.  iii.  19.         :  Lam.  v.  16. 17.  kticb.%.2^. 

9 


190  THE    EXTENT    AND    bANCTION,    iSLC.  [Sei*.  15, 

This  is  the  first  step  ;  without  grace  derived  from  him,  you  can 
do  nothing.  Remember  his  agony  and  bloody  sweat,  his  cross 
and  passion  ;  and  that  he  is  now  exalted  a  Prince  and  a  Saviour, 
on  the  behalf  of  those  who  are  ready  to  perish.  Let  this  be 
your  plea  and  encouragement  to  draw  near  to  a  throne  of  grace. 
Pray  for  his  Spirit  to  reveal  his  righteousness,  power,  and  love 
to  your  soul  ;  and  as  your  knowledge  of  him  increases,  your 
repentance  will  be  more  spiritual,  evangelical,  and  eflectual. 
Entreat  liim  to  enable  you  to  forsake  30ur  former  evils,  to  set 
a  guard  upon  the  door  of  your  lips,  and  to  inspire  you  with 
an  awful  veneration  of  that  holy  name  which  you  have  hitherto 
profaned.  He  can  teach  your  polluted  lips  to  show  forth  his 
praise. 

And  let  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord,  whom  he  has  delivered 
from  the  guilt  and  power  of  this  iniquity,  adore  the  grace  and 
mercy  that  has  saved  them.  Look  back  upon  your  past  lives, 
and  rejoice  with  trembling.  How  often  have  you  defied  his  ven- 
geance and  power,  and  perhaps  madly  uttered  horrid  imprecations 
against  yourselves  '  Why  have  others  been  cut  off  in  these  sins, 
and  you  spared  ?  Yes  ;  '  such  were  some  of  you  :  but  ye  are 
washed,  ye  are  sanctified,  ye  are  justified  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  and  by  tlie  Spirit  of  our  God.'*  And  now  your  tongues, 
which  once  uttered  blasphemies  almost  with  every  breath,  or,  un- 
der a  form  of  godliness  pronounced  a  language  foreign  to  your 
Jiearts,  delight  in  extolling  the  name  of  Jesus  and  celebrating  the 
wonders  of  redeeming  love.  Now,  when  you  speak  of  the  great 
God  your  hearts  are  awed  with  an  apprehension  of  his  majesty,  yet 
comforted  with  the  thought,  that  this  God  is  your  God,  your  almigh- 
ty friend,  your  everlasting  portion.  Now  you  feel  the  influence  of 
the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  you  cry,  '  Abba,  Father.'  Little 
did  you  think,  in  the  days  of  your  ignorance,  that  the  God  whom 
you  was  presumptuously  offending,  had,  in  the  counsels  of  his 
everlasting  love,  chosen  you  to  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ. f  But 
he  was  found  of  you  when  you  sought  him  not.  He  passed  by 
you  when  you  was  lying  in  your  blood,  and  bid  you  live.  This 
was  the  secret  reason  why  you  could  not  destroy  yourselves.  And 
at  length  his  time  of  love  came,  the  hour  which  he  had  appointed 
to  open  your  eyes  to  show  you  mercy,  to  deliver  you  from  the 
power  of  darkness,  and  to  translate  you  into  the  kingdom  of  his 
dear  Son.  Do  not  your  hearts  glow  with  a  sense  of  your  obliga- 
tions to  him  who  hath  loved  you,  and  washed  you  from  your  sins 
in  his  own  blood  ?  Will  you  not  live  to  him  who  has  saved  you 
from  so  great  a  death  ?     Yea,  doubtless,  you  will  count  all  things 

■M  Cor.  vi.ll.         +Eplies.  i.  4.     Isa.lxv.  1.     Ezek.xvi.  C— 8.    Col.  i.  13. 


Ser,  16.]  THE    CHRISTIAN    LIFE,  k.C.  lOl 

but  loss  for  tlie  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  the 
Lord.  You  will  use  all  your  influence  to  difluse  the  savour  of 
his  precious  name.  You  will  take  shame  to  yourselves,  and  as- 
cribe glory  to  him.  You  will  be  zealous  for  his  cause,  and  have 
a  tender  compassion  for  poor  sinners,  who  know  not  what  they 
do,  remembering,  from  your  past  experience,  the  misery  and  gall 
of  an  unconverted  state.  Let  as  man}'  of  us  as  have  received 
mercy  be  thus  minded  ;  let  it  be  our  great  study  to  show  forth 
the  praises  of  him  who  has  called  us  out  of  darkness  into  his 
marvellous  light,  till  the  welcome  hour  shall  arrive,  when  he  will 
say  to  all  who  fear  and  love  him,  and  long  for  his  appearance, 
'  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared 
for  yon  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.'* 


SERMON  XVl. 


THE  CHRISTIAN  LIFE  COMPARED  TO  A  RACE. 


1  Cor.  ix.  24. 
So  run  that  ye  may  obtain. 

The  Scripture  teaches  us  to  derive  profitable  lessons  from  com- 
mon occurrences  :  and  since  we  cannot  avoid  seeing  and  hearing' 
the  vanities  of  those  who  know  not  God,  unless  we  should  go 
wholly  out  of  the  world,  we  may  learn  some  instruction  from 
them  at  a  distance.  The  country  of  Greece,  and  especially  the 
neighbourhood  of  Corinth,  was  famous  for  trials  of  skill  in  a  va- 
riety of  exercises,  such  as  racing,  wrestling,  fighting,  and  the 
like.  And  because  the  children  of  the  world  are  very  wise  in 
their  generation,  and  spare  no  pains  to  accomplish  the  point  they 
have  in  view,  the  apostle  would  stir  up  believers  to  diligence  from 
their  example ;  and  therefore,  in  several  places,  compares  the 
Christian  life  to  one  or  other  of  the  contests  which  were  managed 
in  the  public  games,  and  here  particularly  to  a  race.  In  those 
ancient  races  much  solemnity  was  observed.  The  ground  or 
course  was  exactly  marked  out ;  those  who  were  to  run  went 
through  a  strict  regimen  and  exercise  beforehand  ;  a  vast  con- 
<:ourse  of  people  were  assembled  as  spectators ;  authorised  judge? 

*  Matt.  XXV.  34- 


192  THE    CHRISTIAN    LIFE  [Scr.   16. 

were  appointed  to  award  the  prize,  which  was  a  crown  of  laurel 
or  oak  leaves,  to  the  winner :  and  before  they  began,  a  herald 
publicly  proclaimed  the  rules  to  be  observed  by  the  competitors  ; 
which,  unless  strictly  complied  with,  all  their  pains  and  endea- 
vours issued  only  in  disappointment  and  shame.  To  each  of 
these  particulars  the  apostle  alludes  in  different  parts  of  his 
writings. 

Let  us  then  briefly  consider  wherein  the  allusion  holds  and 
takes  notice  of  some  things  in  which  there  is  a  remarkable  dif- 
ference. 

I.  That  the  Christian  life  is  compared  to  a  race,  may  intimate 
to  us, 

1.  That  it  is  a  laborious  and  strenuous  service,  and  incompati- 
ble with  an  indolent  and  careless  frame  of  spirit.  Not  that  we 
can  do  any  thing  of  ourselves  :  in  this  sense,  '  it  is  not  of  him 
that  willeth,  or  of  him  that  runneth.'*  But  when  a  believer  is 
animated  by  a  view  of  Jesus,  and  the  prize  of  the  high  calling,  to 
run  the  race  set  before  him,  he  finds  that  it  demands  his  utmost 
strength,  courage,  and  patience.  A  spectator  may  divert  himself 
with  the  prospect,  or  the  company  ;  he  may  make  observations 
upon  what  passes  around  him,  and  ride  as  softly  as  he  pleases  : 
but  then  he  has  no  pretensions  to  the  prize.  But  those  who  are 
actuall}'  candidates  for  it,  may  be  easily  distinguished  without 
being  pointed  out ;  they  have  no  leisure  for  amusement ;  their 
eyes  are  fixed,  and  their  thoughts  wholly  engaged,  upon  what  they 
have  in  hand;  and  they  exert  all  their  powers,  and  strain  every 
nerve,  to  reach  the  goal.  How  inconsistent  is  the  conduct  of 
many  professors  ?  They  enter  the  lists,  they  inform  themselves 
of  the  rules,  they  even  presume  to  expect  the  prize,  though  the^^ 
while  away  their  whole  lives  without  once  attempting  to  run  in 
good  earnest.  Not  so  those  who  are  taught  and  called  of  God  : 
a  sense  of  the  worth  of  their  souls,  of  the  love  of  Christ,  of  the 
glory  that  shall  be  revealed,  of  their  own  weakness,  and  of  the 
many  obstacles  that  withstand  their  progress,  stirs  them  up  to 
watchfulness,  diligence,  and  prayer,  and  excites  a  holy  jealousy 

*  lest  a  promise  being  left  of  entering  into  his  rest,  any  of  them 
should  come  short  of  it.'f 

2.  That  we  should  still  press  forward,  and  not  rest  in  what  we 
have  received.  If  a  man  sets  out  in  a  race  with  the  greatest 
speed,  and  seems  to  outstrip  all  his  antagonists ;  yet  if  he  does 
not  persevere  to  the  end,  he  will  be  sure  to  lose.  The  apostle 
alludes  to  a  race  in  another  place,  where  he  says,  '  forgetting  the 

"Rom.  ix.  16,  fHeb.  iv.  1. 


Ser.  16."]  COMPARED  to  a  race.  193 

things  that  are  behind,  and  reaching  forth  to  those  that  are  be- 
fore,* I  stretch  forward.'  The  Greek  word  beaixtifully  expresses 
the  earnestness  and  energ}'  of  those  who  run,  and  are  determined 
to  be  first  :  they  make  no  accomit  of  the  gromid  already  passed 
over,  but  exert  themselves  to  the  utmost,  labour  with  their  hands 
and  feet,  and  strain  every  joint  to  the  utmost,  as  though  the  whole 
success  depended  upon  each  single  step.  We  see  too  many  in- 
stances of  persons  who  begin  warmly,  and  seem  to  run  well  for 
a  season  ;  but  the\'  are  hindered  in  their  progress,  slacken  their 
pace  first,  and  then  slop  short.  Take  notice  of  the  exhortation 
in  my  text,  '  So  run  that  you  may  obtain  ;'  for  it  will  be  a  dread- 
ful disappointment  if  you  should  be  set  aside  disapproved,  when 
others  receive  the  prize, 

II.  The  heralds  or  criers  in  the  Christian  race  are  the  ministers 
of  the  Gospel ;  and  their  proper  name  of  ofiice  is  expressed  by 
the  same  word.  They  have  it  in  charge  to  invite  all  to  run,  and 
to  declare  the  prescribed  rules  :  and  these  must  be  carefully  at- 
tended to  ;  for  if,  or,  as  it  might  be  rendered,  although  a  man 
strive^f  although  he  wrestle,  and  fight,  and  run,  weary  himself, 
and  excel  others;  yet,  after  all,  he  loses  the  prize,  he  is  not  crown- 
ed, unless  he  strive  lawjully,  unless  he  strictly  conforms  to  the  pre- 
scribed regulations,  he  will  be  judged  unqualified,  though  in  oth- 
er respects  skilful  and  diligent ;  unless  he  runs  in  the  limits  mark- 
ed out,  fights  with  the  usual  weapons,  and  observes,  in  all  points^ 
the  discipline  of  tiie  place.  We  are  bound  in  duty,  at  the  same 
time  that  we  proclaim  the  race,  and  point  out  the  prize  to  your 
view,  to  tell  you,  that  without  faith  and  holiness  J  there  can  be  no 
acceptance.  And  we  cannot  but  be  grieved  to  see  how  little 
these  cautions  are  regarded  by  multitudes.  Some  are  labouring, 
as  it  were,  in  the  fire,  to  establish  a  righteousness  by  their  own 
works,  and  refuse  to  believe  in  Christ  for  salvation.  Others,  who 
profess  indeed  to  believe  in  him,  call  themselves  his  people,  and 
afiect  to  speak  highly  of  his  Gospel,  yet  eventually  deny  him  by 
their  works  and  conversation.  But  unless  you  can  alter  the  sure 
determinations  of  the  word  of  God,  there  must  be  an  alteration  in 
yourselves,  or  else  when  you  think  you  have  attained,  and  shall 
confidently  demand  the  prize,  you  will  hear  him  say,  *  I  know 
you  not  whence  ye  are  ;  depart  from  me  all  ye  workers  ot 
iniquity.''^ 

There  is  a  circumstance  in  this  resemblance  which  I  would  not 
pass  over,  because  it  is  peculiar  to  the  Christian  race.  The  min- 
isters or  heralds  are  not  only  to  invite  others,  but  are  likewise  to 

^*  Phil.  iii.  13,  14.  f2Tim.  ii.  5. 

t  Mark  xvi.  16.    Heb.  xii.  14.  ">  I>uke  xiii.  27. 

Vol.  it.  25 


194  THE    CHRISTIAN    LIFE  [Scr.   16 . 

rim  themselves.  To  this  the  apostle  alludes,  when  he  says, 
*  Lest,  when  I  have  preached  to  others,  I  should  be  myself  a 
cast-away  ;'*  or  be  disapproved  of  the  judge  for  breaking  those 
regulations  himself  which  he  had  been  authorised  to  propound  to 
all.  We  have  need  to  preach  to  ourselves  no  less  than  to  you. 
and  to  entreat  jour  prayers  for  us,  that  we  may  stand  perfect  and 
complete  in  the  whole  will  of  God.  And  the  caution  may  be 
proportionally  extended  to  every  one  that  is  intrusted  with  any 
measure  of  gifts  for  the  edification  of  the  people  of  God.  Keep 
close  to  his  word;  pray  for  his  Spirit ;  be  diligent  and  temperate 
in  all  things ;  and  maintain  a  watchful  jealousy  over  your  own 
hearts :  these  are  the  means  by  which  the  Lord  keeps  bis  people 
from  falling.  But  trust  not  to  any  outward  talent,  calling  or  use- 
fulness ;  for  it  is  possible  for  a  man  to  be  instrumental  to  the  good 
of  others  in  families  and  societies,  and  yet  to  come  short  of  the 
kingdom  himself  at  last. 

IIL  I  have  observed  that  a  great  concourse  of  spectators  at- 
tended at  the  ancient  games.  The  Christian,  in  his  race  and 
warfare,  has  likewise  innumerable  eyes  upon  him,  a  great  cloud 
of  witnesses.  We  are  exhibited  a  spectacle  to  the  world,  to  the 
whole  universe,  both  to  angels  and  to  men.f  Though  he  ma}' be 
placed  in  an  obscure  situation,  yet  his  neighbours  at  least  will 
observe  him,  to  see  how  his  profession  and  practice  agree.  In- 
visible beings  attend  him  in  every  step;  the  good  angelsj  rejoice 
over  the  returning  sinner ;  and  it  is  probable,  by  God's  appoint- 
ment, support  and  refresh  him  in  ways  which  are  beyond  our  ap- 
prehension. The  powers  of  darkness  watch  him  with  subtilty 
and  envy,  and  go  to  the  utmost  bounds  of  their  commission,  in 
their  endeavours,  either  to  divert  him  from  his  course,  or  to  make 
it  uncomfortable  to  him.  How  should  this  thought  both  animate 
and  humble  every  sincere  soul .''  Be  not  discouraged,  because  to 
appearance  you  are  almost  left  to  serve  God  alone.  If  the  vail 
of  flesh  and  blood  could  be  drawn  aside,  you  would  see  you  are 
not  alone;  all  the  host  of  heaven  are  on  your  side  ;  the  glorious 
company  that  are  before  the  throne  of  God,  day  witliout  night, 
rejoicing,  are  engaged  in  your  cause,  and  drink  of  the  same  foun- 
tain from  which  you  are  supplied.  The  spirits  of  just  men  made 
perfect,  who  are  now  all  eye,  all  ear,  all  love,  were  once  as  you 
are,  partakers  of  the  same  infirmities,  sorrows,  and  cares  ;  and 
you  ere  long  shall  be  as  they  are,  clothed  with  light,  and  freed 
from  every  burden.  And  Jesus,  the  Lord  of  angels,  the  King  of 
saints,  beholds  your  toil  and  conflict  with  complacence,  and  says, 
'  Hold  that  fast  which  thou  hast,  that  no  man  take  thy  crovvn.''5, 

-  1  Cor.  ix.27.  ^  1  Cor.  iv.  9.  t  Luke  xv.  in.  b  Rev.  iii.  11. 


Ser.  16.]  COMPARED  to  a  race.  195 

He  is  always  near  to  succour,  strengthen,  and  to  save.  Rejoice, 
therefore,  that  you  run  not  as  unnoticed,  but  rejoice  with  trem- 
bling. Be  ashamed  to  tiiink  how  disproportionate  your  efibrts 
are  to  the  company  that  beiiold  you,  and  to  the  prize  that  awaits 
you.  Remember,  likewise,  other  eyes  are  upon  you  ;  Satan  en- 
vies your  privileges,  and  scorns  your  profession :  he  is  every 
minute  waiting  permission  to  sift  you  as  wheal:*  he  is  incessant- 
ly spreading  snares  for  your  feet,  and  preparing  his  arrows 
against  you  ;  therefore  be  not  high-minded,  but  fear,  and  give  all 
diligence  so  to  run  that  you  may  obtain. 

IV.  The  judge  who  presides  at  the  end  of  the  race  is  Jesus, 
the  judge  of  all.  He  holds  forth  the  prize  full  in  view  to  the  eye 
of  faith,  and  shall  shortly  crown  the  conqueror  with  his  own  hand. 
How  sweetly  does  the  apostle  spiritualize  upon  this  circumstance  ! 
^  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  1  have  finished  my  course  ;  1  have 
kept  the  faith.  Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of 
life,  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  Judge,'  (who  does  not  decide 
by  appearances,  nor  can  be  influenced  by  partiality,  as  is  too  fre- 
quent amongst  men)  '  shall  give  me  at  that  day  ;  and  not  to  me 
only,  but  to  all  who  love  his  appearing. 'f  Be  of  good  cheer, 
believer  ;  your  case  may  be  misrepresented,  or  misunderstood  by 
men  ;  but  the  Lord,  the  righteous  and  unerring  Judge,  will  vin- 
dicate, approve,  and  reward  in  the  great  day  when  he  shall  come 
to  be  glorified  in  his  saints,  and  admired  in  all  them  that  believe. 

Thus  much  concerning  the  resemblance  of  the  Christian  life 
to  a  race,  to  which  the  apostle  alludes.  I  shall  briefly  take  no- 
tice of  some  particulars  in  which  the  resemblance  fails  ;  and  a 
very  interesting  and  important  difference  may  be  observed. 

1.  In  the  reward.  The  bodily  exercise'l  (employed  in  the 
games,  for  to  these  the  apostle  refers)  profited  little :  a  crown  of 
oak  or  laurel,  or  some  such  bauble,  was  their  highest  aim,  and 
this,  the  most  of  the  competitors  came  short  of;  for  though  all 
ran,  but  one  received  the  prize.  Of  little  more  value,  and  equal 
uncertainty,  is  the  prize  that  has  engaged  the  time  and  thoughts 
of  many.  But  godliness  (the  whole  course  and  conflict  in  which 
the  believer  is  engaged)  is  profitable  for  all  things,  or  in  every 
view,  having  promises  to  support  the  life  that  now  is,  and  to 
crown  that  which  is  to  come.  '  He  that  overcometh,  saith  the 
Lord,  shall  inherit  all  things.  I  will  be  his  Father,  and  he  shall 
be  my  son.  I  will  give  him  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  life,  which  is  in 
the  midst  of  the  paradise  of  God.  I  will  make  him  a  pillar  in 
the  temple  of  my  God,  and  he  shall  go  no  more  out ;  yea,  I  will 

•••  Luke  xxii.  31.  +2  Tini.  iv,  7,  8.  1 1  Tim.  iv.  8, 


196  THE  CHRISTIAN  LIFE  [Scr.  IG, 

grant  him  to  sit  down  with  me  in  my  throne.'*  The  Lord  will 
give  grace  here,  and  will  withhold  no  good  thing  from  those  who 
walk  uprightly ;  and  hereafter  he  will  crown  grace  with  glory, 
and  place  his  servants  out  of  the  reach  of  every  trouble  and  en- 
emy, in  the  kingdom  which  his  love  has  prepared  for  them  from 
before  the  foundation  of  the  world.  '  Having,  therefore,  these 
promises,  dearly  beloved,  let  us  cleanse  ourselves  from  all  filthi- 
ness  of  the  flesh  and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord.'t 

2.  In  races,  though  many  run,  one  only  can  receive  the  prize. 
But  thanks  be  to  God,  it  is  not  so  in  the  Christian  race.  All  who 
run  as  the  Lord  has  appointed,  shall  be  sure  to  win.  No  oppo- 
sition can  prevail  against  them,  nor  will  the  number  of  the  can- 
didates be  any  diminution  to  the  happiness  of  each  individual. 
The  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light,  like  the  light  of  the  sun,  is 
not  diminished  by  being  shared  amongst  many  ;  each  one  pos- 
sesses the  whole  in  the  same  perfection  as  he  could  do  if  there  was 
none  to  enjoy  it  but  himself. 

3.  In  the  races  the  apostle  alludes  to,  none  were  compelled  to 
run.  The  proclamation  was  general  ;  but  those  who  did  not 
choose  to  engage,  sutiered  no  disadvantage.  But  it  is  not  so  in 
the  race  to  which  you  are  invited  by  the  Gospel.  The  Lord  is 
greatly  ofiended  with  those  who  slight  the  message,  and  refuse  to 
enter  the  lists.  If  you  only  give  his  ministers  a  hearing,  and  re^ 
turn  to  your|  farms  and  merchandise,  forget  the  worth  of  your 
precious  souls,  and  sufler  your  thoughts  to  he  engrossed  with  the 
cares  and  pleasures  of  this  life,  to  the  neglect  of  this  one  thing 
needful,  the  Lord  will  account  it  a  contempt  oiicred  to  himself, 
and  will  ere  long  call  you  before  his  tribunal  to  answer  for  it. 

4.  Those  who  run  and  did  not  win  the  prize,  only  lost  their  la- 
bour, or,  at  the  worst,  were  exposed  to  shame  ;  but  they  were 
liable  to  no  positive  punishment.  But  you  who  are  professors  of 
the  Gospel,  if  you  come  short  at  last,  will  be  lost  for  ever.  '  So 
run  that  you  may  obtain.'  Be  not  content  with  having  set  out ; 
the  promise  is  made  to  perseverance.  ■  He  that  endureth  to  the 
end  shall  be  saved  ;'§  but  if  any  draw  back,  or  stop  short,  the 
Lord  will  have  no  pleasure  in  them.  They  will  not  only  lose 
the  prize,  but  will  receive  a  heavy  and  aggravated  doom.  It 
would  have  been  better  for  them  not  to  have  known  the  way  of 
righteousness,  than  after  they  have  known  it,  to  turn  from  the 
holy  commandment  delivered  to  them.  If  you  were  forced  to 
run  for  your  lives,  you  would  be  very  thoughtful  about  the  event, 

*  Rev.  ii.  7.     iii.  12—21.     xxii.  7.     Psalm  Ixxxiv.  U,         t  2  Cor,  vii.  1, 
i  Matt.  xxii.  5.         J^  Matt.  x.  22.     Heb.  x.  38. 


Ser.  16.]  COMPARED  t©  a  race.  197 

But  if  you  are  not  found  amongst  those  who  come  in  for  the 
prize  of  eternal  life,  you  will  be  cast  into  outer  darkness,  and 
sink  under  the  curse  of  God  for  ever. 

Fain,  therefore,  would  1  persuade  you  to  addrer,s  yourselves 
with  earnestness  to  run  the  race  set  before  you.  Flee  from  ap- 
proaching wrath  The  wrath  of  God  is  already  revealed  against 
all  unrighteousness,  and  soon  it  will  be  poured  forth  upon  the 
head  of  every  transgressor.  Though  God  is  patient  and  for- 
bearing, he  is  angry  with  the  wicked  every  day.  If  he  turn  not, 
he  will  whet  his  glittering  sword  ;  he  hath  bent  his  bow,  and 
made  it  ready.  He  hath  also  prepared  for  him  the  instruments 
of  death  ;  he  hath  ordained  his  arrows  against  those  who  shall 
finally  disobey  his  great  command  to  receive  the  Gospel  of  his 
grace.  It  is  impossible  to  elude  his  eye,  or  to  withstand  his 
power.  You  are  upon  the  brink  of  danger,  if  you  are  not  al- 
ready entered  in  this  race  ;  you  stand  upon  a  precipice,  and  hell 
from  beneath  has  opened  its  mouth  to  receive  you.  But  a  res- 
pite is  still  afforded  ;  the  Lord  waits  to  be  gracious  ;  and  as 
yet  there  is  room.  The  gate  of  mercy  is  not  yet  shut ;  '  turn, 
therefore,  to  the  strong  hold,  as  prisoners  of  hope  ;'  no  longer 
refuse  his  gracious  invitation,  or  trifle  with  your  precious  souls  ; 
seek  to  Jesus  that  you  may  live  ;  apply  to  him  for  faith  and  re- 
pentance ;  and,  in  his  strength  and  name,  prepare  to  run  this  im- 
portant race.  Meditate  upon  the  glorious  prize  which  is  provi- 
ded for  all  who  endure  to  the  end  ;  it  is  freely  proposed  to  all 
who  run.  Pardon,  grace,  and  eternal  life,  are  promised  and  be- 
stowed, without  money,  and  without  price.  If,  after  so  many  re- 
peated calls,  you  still  harden  your  hearts,  and  stop  your  ears, 
and  determine  that  you  will  not  come  unto  Jesus  that  you  may 
have  life,  you  must  assuredly  perish,  without  mercy  and  without 
excuse. 

But  if  you  are  desirous  to  run,  remember  the  admonition  in 
my  text,  '  So  run  that  you  may  obtain.'  Your  steps  must  be 
regulated  by  the  word  of  God,  or  you  will  wander  wide  from  the 
good  old  way  ;  you  must  derive  your  sufficiency  and  strength 
from  Christ  by  faith  and  prayer,  or  yoa  will  faint,  and  be 
unable  to  endure  to  the  end.  We  read  of  some*  that  run  well 
for  a  season,  but  were  afterwards  hindered,  and  turned  aside. 
Be  upon  your  guard  ;  for  there  are  many  that  will  strive  to  di- 
vert you  from  your  course.  Satan,  the  world,  and  your  own 
evil  hearts,  will  combine  and  form  various  attempts  to  slacken 
your  pace,  and  to  withdraw  your  attention  from  the  one  thing 
needful.     Dread  the  thoughts  of  stopping  short,  or  turning  back  ; 

*Gal.  V.  7. 


198  NO  ACCESS  TO  GOD  BUT  [Sei'.   17. 

and  the  more  you  meet  with  opposition,  be  so  much  the  more 
earnest  to  redouble  your  diligence,  and  especially  to  cry  mightily 
to  him  who  is  able  to  keep  you  from  falling,  to  preserve  you  un- 
blameable  in  love  while  here,  and  at  last  to  present  you  faultless 
before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy. 

Believers,  why  are  not  we  as  wise  in  our  generation  as  the 
children  of  the  world  ?  We  see  how  those  who  are  fond  of  a 
common  horse  race  are  thinking  and  talking  of  it,  and  preparing 
for  it  every  day.  Does  not  their  diligence  shame  us,  who  are  so 
cold,  faint,  and  dilator}',  in  the  most  important  and  honourable 
concerns  ?  Let  us  gird  up  the  loins  of  our  mind  ;  some  of  you 
have  not  far  to  run  now  ;  you  have  taken  many  a  weary  step 
since  you  were  first  called  ;  but  the  end  is  at  hand  ;  the  period  of 
your  complete  salvation  is  now  much  nearer  than  when  you  first 
believed.*  Think  of  Jesus,  the  forerunner  and  the  judge  ;  he 
has  already  entered  within  the  vail  for  us,  his  eye  is  upon  us,  he  is 
near  to  assist,  and  waiting  to  receive  us.  May  his  Spirit  and  his 
example  animate  us  to  press  forward  to  the  prize  of  our  high 
calling,  to  tread  down  every  difficulty,  and  to  be  faithful  unto 
death,  that  we  may  receive  the  crown  of  life.f 


SERMON  XVII. 


NO  ACCESS  TO  GOD  BUT  BY  THE  GOSPEL  OF  CHPJST. 


jMicah  vi.  6,  7,  G. 

WhereivUli  shall  I  come:  before  the  Lord,  and  hoivmyself  before  the  high  God  J 
Shall  I  come  before  him  ivith  burnt-offerings,  with  calves  of  a  year  old  ?  Will 
the  Lord  be  pleased  ivith  thousands  of  rums,  or  with  ten  thousands  of  rivers 
of  oil  ?  Shall  J  give  mij  first-born  for  my  transgression,  the  fruit  of  my  body 
for  the  sin  of  my  sold?  He  hath  showed  thee,  O  man,  ivhat  is  good  ;  and 
ivhat  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy,  and 
to  ivalk.  humbly  with  thy  God  ? 

There  is  no  question  that  can  arise  in  the  mind  of  man,  that 
is  of  so  high  importance  as  this  in  my  text,  and  yet,  alas  !  how 
seldom  is  it  laid  to  heart !  JMay  the  Spirit  of  God  impress  it  up- 
on all  your  consciences  !  You  are  now  come  before  God  to  wor- 
hip ;  ask  yourselves,  wherewith  ?  On  what  do  you  ground 
vour  hope  that  you  ofier  acceptable  service  .''     You  must  shortly 

Uom.  xiii.  11.  +  Rev.  ii.  10. 


Ser.   17.]  BY  THE  GOSPEL  OF  CHRIST.  199 

appear  before  him  in  judgment.  Are*  you  prepared  to  meet 
him  ?  What  plea  have  you  provided  ?  Take  heed  in  time. 
Be  sure  that  it  is  such  a  one  as  he  will  admit,  lest  your  hopes 
should  fail,  and  you  perish  in  his  presence  as  chafl' before  the  de- 
vouring- flame. 

The  passage  plainly  expresses  the  inquiry  of  an  awakened 
mind.  It  is  to  be  feared  many  of  you  have  often  read  these 
words  without  being  suitably  aflected  with  their  meaning.^  But 
if  you  can  indeed  make  them  your  own,  if  3-ou  are  truly  solicit- 
ous how  you  are  to  come  before  God  both  here  and  hereafter,  1 
hope  his  good  Spirit  will  enable  you  to  receive  satisfaction  from 
the  answer  given  by  the  prophet. 

If  you  can  speak  these  words  from  your  heart,  you  will  readily 
acknowledge  that  they  imply  the  following  things  : — 

1.  A  sense  of  duty  :  that  you  are  under  an  obligation  to  come 
and  bow  before  the  high  God.  You  are  sensible  that  you  ought 
not,  and  you  find  that  you  cannot  live  without  paying  him  hom- 
age and  worship,  but  that  he  has  a  right  to  your  service,  and  ex- 
pects it.  Too  many  show,  in  this  respect,  that  they  are  dead 
while  they  live  ;  dead  to  God,  insensible  and  regardless  of  their 
many  obligations  to  him,  in  whom  they  live,  and  move,  and  have 
their  being.  They  live  without  prayer  ;  they  offer  no  praises  to 
the  God  of  their  lives,  but  rise  up  and  lie  down,  go  out  and  come 
in,  without  one  reflection  on  his  power,  goodness,  and  providence  ; 
even  like  the  beasts  that  perish.  But  the  awakened  soul  cannot 
do  so.  He  trembles  to  think  that  he  once  could  neglect  that  God 
whom  all  the  hosts  of  heaven  worship  ;  and  is  convinced,  that 
however  fair  his  character  might  have  been  amongst  men,  he 
justly  deserved  to  have  been  struck  to  hell  for  so  long  restraining 
prayer  before  God. 

2.  A  sense  of  the  majesty  and  glory  of  God.  Whoever  seri- 
ously asks  this  question,  has  an  awful  view  of  the  Lord,  as  the 
high  God.  Many  who  do  not  wholly  neglect  prayer  and  wor- 
ship, yet  have  no  spiritual  and  humbling  apprehensions  of  the 
God  whom  they  profess  to  serve.  Their  prayers,  whether  in 
public  or  private,  are  only  lip-service,  as  though  they  thought 
him  altogether  such  a  one  as  ourselves.  Their  petitions  are  not 
guided  by  their  desires,  but  they  utter  with  their  mouths  what 
they  find  in  the  book,  though  their  hearts  have  no  love  or  relish 
of  the  things  they  ask  for.  How  often  is  God  mocked  by  those 
who  join  in  our  established  worship?  Has  he  not  been  so  this 
morning  by  some  of  you  ^  How  little  he  is  reverenced  by  many 
is  plain  from  the  little  regard  they  pay  to  his  commands.     They 

*"  Amos  iv.  13. 


^00  NO  ACCESS  TO  GOD  BUT  [Ser.   17. 

will  break  his  Sabbaths,  blaspheme  his  name,  live  in  drunkenness, 
whoredom,  anger,  and  malice,  and  yet  pretend  to  worship  him. 
But  those  who  rightly  understand  the  inquiry  in  my  text,  cannot 
do  thus.  They  consider  him  as  the  high  God  ;  they  know  that 
he  humbles  himself  to  behold  even  the  worship  of  heaven,  and 
are  therefore  struck  with  this  thought.  Wherewith  can  I,  a  poor 
worm,  who  am  but  dust  and  ashes,  come  before  this  high  God  .'' 

3.  A  sense  of  guilt.  Alas  !  says  the  soul  that  is  enlightened 
to  see  itself,  I  am  not  only  mean,  but  vile.  'I  have  sinned,  what 
shall  I  do  unto  thee,  O  thou  preserver  of  men  f*  wherewith  shall 
such  a  polluted,  obnoxious  creature  as  1  am,  appear  before  a  ho- 
ly God  ^  Can  my  services  atone  for  my  sins,  or  what  service 
can  I  perform  that  is  not  defiled  and  rendered  unworthy  of  ac- 
ceptance by  the  evil  of  my  heart?  But  could  I  perform  ever  so 
well  from  this  day  forward,  what  would  this  avail  for  what  is 
past  ^  If  I  had  offended  a  man  like  myself,  I  might  think  of  ma- 
king some  amends  ;  but  my  sins  are  against  God.  His  justice, 
wisdom,  holiness,  and  truth,  have  all  demands  upon  me.  What 
then  can  I  bring  ^  Will  sacrifices  appease  him  ^  No  :  these, 
though  of  his  own  appointment,  are  not  of  themselves  sufficient. 
'  It  is  not  possible  for  the  blood  of  bulls  and  goats  to  take  awa}- 
sins.'f  Though  all  the  beasts  of  the  forest,  and  the  cattle  upon 
a  thousand  hills  ^\ere  mine,  though  I  should  offer  all  Lebanon, 
hills  of  frankincense,  rivers,  yea,  ten  thousands  of  rivers  of  oil, 
all  would  not  do.  Or  should  I  give  my  son,  my  only  son,  the 
fruit  of  my  body,  neither  would  this  atone  for  the  sin  of  my  soul. 

Here,  then,  you  may  see  that  to  an  awakened  sinner  sin  is  the 
heaviest  burden  imaginable.  He  is  willing,  and  would  be  glad 
(if  it  might  be)  to  purchase  the  pardon  of  sin  with  the  loss  of  e\- 
ery  thing  he  accounts  most  valuable.  If  he  had  the  whole  world, 
he  would  freely  part  with  it  to  be  free  from  guilt.  But  at  the 
same  time  he  finds  it  a  burden  that  he  cannot  shake  off;  he  knows 
that  he  never  can  be  delivered  for  any  thing  he  can  do  or  pro- 
pose, and  therefore  the  great  subject  of  inquiry  always  upon  his 
mind  is.  Wherewith,  or  how  shall  I  appear  and  stand  before  the 
high  God  ! 

I  hope  some  of  you  are  thus  minded  ;  to  you  I  have  a  comfort- 
able message  from  the  other  part  of  my  text.  But  as  I  cannot 
hope  thus  of  you  all,  I  must  previously  take  notice  that  there  is 
hardly  any  one  passage  in  the  Bible  more  generally  misunder- 
stood, and  which  ignorant  and  careless  men  are  more  prone  to 
wrest  to  their  own  destruction,  than  the  verses  under  our  present 
consideration.     Not  a  iew,  having  their  eyes  blinded  by  the  god 

^Jobvii.  20.  fHeb.  x.-l. 


Ser.  17.}  Br  tvie  gospf.i.  op  christ.  201 

of  this  world,  and  their  hearts  enslaved  to  the  love  and  practice 
of  sin,  are  content  to  understand  it  as  if  it  was  rather  a  rebuke 
than  an  encouragement  to  them,  who,  like*  the  jailor,  are  deeply 
afl'ected  with  a  concern  for  the  salvation  of  their  souls.  Their 
comment  is  to  this  purpose,  '  He  hath  show  ed  thee,  O  man,  what 
is  good  ;'  that  is,  you  need  not  terrify  yourself  at  this  rate  ; 
there  is  nothing  so  evil  in  sin,  or  so  awful  in  God's  threatenings, 
as  you  suppose.  He  has  said,  indeed,  "  The  soul  that  sinneth 
shall  die  ;'f  yet  here  you  see  an  easy  way  to  escape,  '  Do  justly,' 
(which  is,  heing  interpreted,)  Do  not  grossly  cheat  and  injure 
your  neighbour ;  abstain  from  robbery,  extortion,  and  heavy  op- 
pression, and  '  love  mercy  ;'  that  is,  be  ready  to  do  what  are 
commonly  called  good-natured  offices,  and  to  give  a  shilling  or 
a  guinea  (according  to  your  circumstances)  now  and  then  to 
the  poor,  and  you  will  be  safe  enough.  How  they  explain  the 
other  clause,  '  walk  humbly,'  upon  this  plan,  I  confess  myself 
unable  to  conceive,  and  therefore  I  believe  they  are  glad  to 
omit  it ;  for  1  am  sure  light  cannot  be  more  contrary  to  dark- 
ness, than  such  language  as  this  is  opposite  to  the  idea  ol  walk" 
ing  humbly  with  God, 

According  to  this  opinion,  to  do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy, 
are  the  whole  of  religion.  They  are,  indeed,  essential  parts 
of  it ;  and  miserable  will  you  be  who  talk  in  this  strain,  if 
God,  at  the  great  day,  should  judge  you  by  this  text  to  which 
you  now  presumptuously  appeal.  How  wonderful  is  the  pride 
and  arrogance  of  fallen  man,  who  will  dare  to  urge  a  plea 
before  God  which  must  issue  in  his  own  confusion  5  Do  you 
indeed  deal  justly  ?  It  implies  something  more  than  not  being 
an  arrant  knave.  Do  you  at  all  times,  and  in  all  respects,  be- 
have to  every  person  as  you  would  they  should  do  unto  you  ? 
Did  you  never  take  the  least  advantage  of  the  ignorance  or 
necessity  of  your  neighbour  ?  Did  you  never  speak  or  re- 
port any  thing  to  his  prejudice  without  sufficient  warrant  and 
sufficient  cause  ^  You  feel  how  tender  you  are  of  your  own 
character  and  interests.  Have  you  been  equally  tender  of  the 
interests  of  others,  of  all  others  with  whom  you  have  had  con- 
nexions, without  being  influenced  in  any  instance  or  degree  by 
partiality  or  mercenary  views  .'*  If  you  cannot  appeal  to  the 
Searcher  of  hearts  that  you  have  walked  in  this  integrity,  your 
pretence  that  you  have  done  justly  is  vile  hypocrisy,  and  you 
may  tremble  to  think  how  easily  you  may  be  condemned  out 
of  your  own  mouth.  Alas  !  if  God,  to  whom  all  your  thoughts 
and  actions  have  been  incessantly   exposed,    should  enter  into 

*  Acts  xvi.  30.  t  Ezek.  xviii.  4- 

VoL.  n.  p 


202  ISO  ACCESS  TO  GOD  BUT  [Sci*.     17. 

judgment  with  you,  how  unable  would  you  be  to  answer  him  in 
one  of  a  thousand  ? 

Again,  Do  you  love  mercy  ?  Do  you  love  it  as  a  miser  loves 
money?  Is  it  the  pleasure  of  your  hearts  to  overcome  evil  witis 
good  ?  If  your  brother  or  neighbour  ofi'end  you,  not  seven 
times,  but  seventy  times  seven,*  do  you  find  it  deliglitfid  to  re- 
peat your  forgiveness,  to  bless  them  that  curse  you,  to  pray  for 
them  that  despitefuUy  use  you,  and  to  requite  repeated  injuries 
with  repeated  acts  of  kindness  ?  If  not,  what  have  you  to  do 
with  mercy,  either  to  pretend  that  you  love  mercy  yourselves,  or 
to  indulge  a  hope  of  obtaining  mercy  from  God,  if  you  know  no 
better  way  of  seeking  it  than  by  your  own  works.  But  suppose 
you  was  less  culpable  in  these  particulars,  can  you  say  that  you 
walk  humbly  with  God  ?  Alas  !  how  impossible  is  this,  while 
you  trust  in  your  own  righteousness,  while  you  slight  and  despise 
his  threatenings,  while  your  hearts  rise  against  his  Gospel.  Are 
you  not  impatient  under  the  aillictions  wiiich  he  sends,  and  un- 
thankful for  innumerable  mercies  which  he  is  daily  bestowing 
upon  you.^  And  is  this  to  walk  humbly  with  God  ?  Bear  with 
me  for  a  plain  word,  which  I  purposely  speak  plainly,  that  it 
may  not  be  forgot  :  I  say,  that  if  any  man  or  woman  can  be  sa- 
ved in  this  way,  that  is,  upon  the  account  of  doing  justly,  loving 
mercy,  and  walking  humbly  with  God,  then  Satan  himself  has 
no  cause  to  despair. 

I  return  now  to  those  who  see  and  acknowledge  themselves 
to  be  sinners,  without  righteousness  and  strength,  and  are  de- 
sirous to  appear  before  God  with  comfort.  To  you  I  bring 
good  tidings ;  the  Lord  help  you  to  believe  and  rejoice.  Ho 
hath  showed  you  that  which  is  good,  whicii  is  the  only  and 
sufficient  ground  whereon  to  build  your  hopes :  he  has  showed 
or  revealed  it,  for  otherwise  you  could  never  have  found  it  out. 
What  the  law  cannot  do  in  that  it  is  weak  and  ineffectual  through 
the  flesh,  God  has  done  by  sending  his  Son  in  the  likeness  of  sin- 
ful flesh. f  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  that  good  to  which  the 
prophet  refers  ;  Moses  and  the  prophets,  and  all  the  Scriptures, 
testify  of  him,  and  JMicah  among  the  rest.  One  of  the  most 
illustrious  testimonies  to  the  person  and  office  of  our  Imman- 
uel  in  the  Old  Testament,  is  to  be  found  in  the  chapter  pre- 
ceding my  text.  '  But  thou,  Bethlehem,  Ephratah,  though 
thou  be  little  among  ihe  thousands  of  Judah,  yet  out  of  thee 
shall  he  come  forth  unto  me  that  is  to  be  ruler  in  Israel  ; 
whose  goings  forth  have  been  from  of  old,  from  everlasting 
And  he  shall  stand  and  feed   in  the  strength  of  the   Lord,  in 

*  Matt,  xviii.  22.  I  Roin.  viii.  3. 


Ser.     17.]  BY    THE  GOSPEL    OF  CHRIST.  203 

the  majesty  of  the  name  of  the  Lord  his  God;  and  they  shall 
abide  :  for  now  shall  he  be  ijreat  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  And 
this  man  siiall  be  the  peace. '^  All  other  sacrifices  and  Saviours 
are  insufficient ;  but  Jesus,  by  the  one  offerine;  of  himself  once 
oflered  up,  hath  made  a  full,  perfect,  and  everlasting  atonement, 
and  now  he  reigns  in  our  nature,  possessed  of  all  the  fulness  of 
grace,  exercising  the  power  of  God  in  the  salvation  of  men. 
Would  you  then  come  before  the  High  God.^  come  in  the  name  of 
Jesus,  and  you  shall  find  acceptance.  In  him  God  is  well  pleased  ;f 
and  for  his  sake  he  is  well  pleased  with  all  who  honour  his  beloved 
Son,  and  put  their  trust  in  him.  He  has  authority  and  compas- 
sion sufficient  to  save  the  most  deplorable  and  the  most  unworthy. 
If  you  read  the  history  of  his  life  and  death,  you  will  read  of  a 
display  of  love  and  grace  beyond  expression  ;  and  he  is  the  same 
still.  Before  he  ascended  he  left  an  assurance  for  your  encour- 
agement, that  whosoever  cometh  unto  him  he  will  in  no  wise  cast 
nut.  If  you  say,  I  want  faith,  remember  it  is  his  gift,  and  he  has 
promised  to  do  whatever  you  ask  in  his  name.  Therefore  ficht 
against  unbelief,  resist  Satan  with  the  sword  of  the  Spirit.  If  it 
is  suggested  that  you  are  a  great  sinner,  you  cannot  deny  it,  nor 
need  you;  avow  the  charge,  take  shame  to  yourselves,  and  give 
glory  to  God;  but  it  is  equally  true,  that  Jesus  is  a  great  Saviour, 
he  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost;  and  though  your  iniquities 
are  great,  yet  cast  not  away  your  hope,  for  his  mercy  is  greater 
than  the  he.ivens. 

When  you  come  in  this  way,  what  does  the  Lord  require  of 
you  ?  Is  it  to  make  your  own  peace  ?  He  would  as  soon  require 
you  to  make  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth.  Is  it  to  keep  your 
own  soul  r  No  more  than  he  requires  you  to  keep  the  sun  in  its 
course.  His  own  arm  has  wrought  salvation,  and  he  will  secure 
it.  He  requires  none  of  your  help  here  ;  nay,  he  disdains  the 
thought  :  you  might  as  well  offer  to  help  him  to  govern  the  world. 
But  ihis  he  requires  of  you,  '  to  do  justlv,  to  love  mercy,  and  to 
walk  humbly  with  thy  God;'  and  the  methods  of  his  grace  will 
enable  you  to  do  so. 

1.  'To  do  justly.'  We  are  by  nature  attached  to  worldly 
goods,  and  wholly  influenced  by  selfish  principles.  But  Aiith  in 
Jesus  communicates  new  motives,  views,  and  aims,  to  the  soul  :  it 
teaches  us  to  have  our  treasure  in  heaven  ;  to  sit  loose  to  the 
world  ;  to  be  satisfied  with  that  station  and  competence  which 
Divine  Providence  has  allotted  us  ;  and  to  love  our  neighbours 
as  ourselves,  because  they  are  our  fellow-sinners,  and  are  capable 
of  being  called  to  a  participation  with  us  in  the  honourable  rela- 

*  Micah  V.  2— D.  ^  Matt.  iii.  IT. 


204  NO    ACCESS    TO    GOD,    &JC.     "  [Sci*.    17. 

tion  and  privilege  of  the  children  of  God.  Upon  these  princi- 
ples the  practice  of  justice  is  attainable,  but  upon  no  other  ;  for 
though  there  are  many  characters  honourable  and  blameless 
in  the  outward  concerns  of  life,  and  in  the  judgment  of  men, 
there  is  no  person  upon  earth  who  does  or  can  love  or  practise 
justice  in  its  full  extent  till  he  has  received  the  Spirit  of  Christ, 
and  lives  upon  him  by  faith,  for  wisdom  and  strength  from  day 
to  day. 

2.  '  To  love  mercy.'  None  can  truly  love  it  but  those  who 
have  tasted  it.  Wlien  your  hearts  feel  the  comforts  of  God's 
pardoning  love  you  will  delight  to  imitate  him.  When  you  can 
truly  rejoice  that  he  has  freely  forgiven  you  that  immense  debt, 
which  is  expressed  by  ten  thousand  talents,*  you  will  have  no 
desire  to  take  your  fellow-servant  by  the  throat  for  a  few  pence. 
This  sense  of  God's  goodness,  and  the  continued  need  you  find 
of  his  renewed  mercy  from  day  to  day,  will  soften  your  spirit, 
(if  you  are  a  believer,)  disarm  and  graduall}'  weaken  every 
proud  thought  that  would  plead  for  the  exercise  of  anger  and  re- 
sentment towards  those  who  have  offended  you.  You  will  be  swift 
to  hear,  slow  to  speak,  slow  to  wrath  ;  jou  will  put  on  (as  the  be- 
loved of  God)  bowels  of  meekness,*  long-suffering,  and  compas- 
sion, forbearing  and  forgiving,  if  you  have  aught  against  any  ; 
because  God,  for  Christ's  sake  has  freely  forgiven  you.  If  you 
find  this  practice  diff)cult,  it  is  owing  partly  to  the  remaining 
depravity  of  your  nature,  and  partly  because  you  have  had 
but  a  faint  sense  of  his  mercy.  Pray  for  a  more  powerful 
manifestation  of  it,  and  you  will  do  better :  mercy  will  be  your 
delight. 

3.  '  To  walk  humbly.'  '  Can  two  walk  together  except  they 
are  agreed  .^'|  When  Christ  is  your  peace,  you  will  delight  ii>* 
God  J  you  will  set  him  before  you,  commune  with  him,  study  to 
please  him,  and  to  keep  all  his  commandments.  This  is  to  walk 
with  God  ;  and  you  will  walk  humbly,  remembering  how  much 
you  owe  to  free  grace,  and  how  far  you  fall  short  in  your  best 
endeavours.  These  considerations,  impressed  by  the  Holy  Spirit, 
will  humble  you,  will  keep  you  from  being  high  in  your  own 
esteem,  wise  in  your  own  conceit,  and  from  seeking  great  things 
for  yourself.  You  will  be  habitually  thankful  when  the  Lord 
gives,  content  when  he  withholds,  patient  when  he  afflicts.  You 
will  confess  yourself  unworthy  of  the  smallest  mercies  you  pos- 
sess, and  acknowledge  in  your  heaviest  trials  that  he  has  laid  far 
less  upon  you  than  your  iniquities  have  deserved. 

*  Matt,  xviii.  21.  f  Col.  iii.  IQ.  t  Amos  iit.  3. 


Ser.  18.]  OF  a  living  and  a  dead  faith.  205" 

This  is  the  pattern  we  are  to  copy  after,  and  this  is  the  certain 
tendency  and  eflect  of  his  grace.  A  measure  of  this  disposition 
is  found  in  all  who  are  Christians  indeed.  Yet  we  may  take 
shame  to  ourselves,  that  we  are  still  so  far  defective  in  every 
Tbranch  of  our  duty.  Let  us  stir  up  ourselves  to  greater  dilit<'.;oe, 
watchfulness,  and  prayer,  that  we  may  obtain  more  lively,  aitid- 
ing,  and  transforming  views  of  that  which  is  our  tiiie  good,  ihat 
so  we  may  be  enabled  to  glorify  our  heavenly  Father,  and  to 
adorn  our  profession,  by  doing  justly,  loving  mercy,  and  walking 
humbly  with  our  God. 


SERMON  XYIll, 


OF  A  LIVING  AND  A  DEAD  FAITH. 


James  ii.  20. 
For  as  the  body  tcilhoul  Ihe  spirit  is  dead,  so  faith  without  works  is  dead  also. 

Whoever  has  read  the  Scriptures  with  attention,  must  have 
observed  several  passages  which  at  first  view,  and  till  thoroughly 
examined  and  compared,  appear  hard  to  reconcile  to  each  other. 
No  instance  of  this  sort  is  more  remarkable  than  the  seeming 
difference  of  judgment  between  St.  Paul  and  St.  James  on  the 
point  of  justification.  St.  Paul  having  said,  'That  a  man  is 
justified  by  faith  without  the  deeds  of  the  law,'*  produces  the  ex- 
ample of  Abraham  to  confirm  his  assertion.  St.  James,  (in  the 
chapter  before  us,)  from  the  example  of  the  same  Abraham, 
draws  a  conclusion  which  seems  directly  to  contradict  this  : 
'  Ye  see  then  how  that  by  works  a  man  is  justified,  and  not  by 
faith  only.'f  Can  any  two  opinions  be  more  opposite  in  ap- 
pearance .''  How  then  can  both  he  true,  or  how  can  we  believe 
both  writers  infallible  in  their  doctrine,  and  influenced  by  the 
unerring  Spirit  of  God  ?  Must  we  cleave  to  the  one  and  re- 
ject the  other  ?  and  if  so,  how  shall  we  know  which  is  the  real 
truth  ? 

We  may  confidently  answer.  The  apostles  are  both  right;  their 
doctrine  is  equally  from  God-  and  docs  not  clash  in  any  partiular. 

■•  Rom.  ill.  28,  •*•  James  ii.  21. 


20G  OF  A^LiviNG  AND  [Scr.  18. 

The  darkness  and  difficulty  is  in  the  apprehensions  of  men,  and 
not  in  the  word  of  God.  Yet  a  difficulty  there  is,  and  I  hope  I 
shall  not  detain  you  unprofitably  at  this  time,  by  endeavouring  to 
clear  it,  and  afterwards  to  press  upon  you  the  words  of  my  text  as 
a  proper  inference  from  the  whole. 

"When  men  who  are  strangers  to  Christian  experience,  and  who 
trust  more  to  their  own  sagacity  and  learning  than  to  the  word 
and  Spirit  of  God,  attempt  to  resolve  cases  of  this  sort,  they 
make  strange  work.  And  it  is  no  wonder  ;  for  how  can  any  one 
explain  what  he  does  not  understand  ?  It  would  tire  you  if  I 
should  relate  a  tenth  part  of  the  conjectures  of  learned  men  upon 
this  very  subject.  I  shall  mention  one  or  two  as  a  specimen.  A 
writer  of  some  eminence  in  the  world,  confesses  the  difficulty  I 
have  noticed  in  its  full  strength.  He  allows  and  affirms,  that  it 
is  not  only  hard  but  impossible,  to  reconcile  the  apostles  to  each 
other;  and  concludes,  that  since  it  is  impossible  to  hold  both 
their  sentiments,  we  must  abide  by  him  who  wrote  the  last.  This, 
from  many  arguments  his  learning  furnished  him  with,  he  thinks 
to  have  been  St.  James.  Accordingly,  he  gives  up  the  other, 
and  his  doctrine  of  faith  without  works  to  shift  for  themselves. 
He  supposes  that  St.  Paul,  in  the  heat  of  his  argument,  carried 
the  matter  a  little  too  far,  and  that  St.  James  wrote  afterwards  to 
correct  him. 

But  to  show  you  (excuse  a  familiar  expression)  how  doctors 
diffi^r,  and  at  the  same  time  to  warn  even  true  believers  against 
hastily  judging  beyond  the  line  of  their  experience,  I  would  ob- 
serve, that  the  great  servant  of  God,  Luther,  soon  after  he  began 
to  preach  the  Gospel,  made  a  mistake  no  less  bold  and  presuming 
on  the  other  side  of  the  question.  He  had  felt  the  power  of  St. 
Paul's  doctrine  in  his  own  soul,  and  would  have  defied  an  angel 
that  should  have  dared  to  oppose  it ;  therefore,  when  his  adver- 
saries pressed  him  with  the  authority  of  St.  James,  not  having  at 
that  time  light  to  give  a  more  solid  answer,  he  ventured  to  deny  the 
authenticity  of  the  whole  epistle,  and  rashly  insisted,  both  in  his 
sermons  and  books,  that  St.  James  never  wrote  it.  But  Luther, 
though  mistaken  in  this  point,  was  under  the  Lord's  teaching  ;  he 
went  on  from  strength  to  strength,  increasing  in  knowldge  and 
grace  ;  and  when  his  judgment  was  better  informed,  he  publicly 
retracted  his  former  unguarded  aversion. 

Leaving,  therefore,  the  authority  of  men,  let  us  betake  our- 
selves to  the  word  of  God,  and  humbly  seek  the  light  of  his  Spirit, 
who  is  promised  to  guide  his  people  in  their  sincere  inquiries  after 
truth. 

Now,  if  you  consider  the  scope  and  design  of  our  apostles,  and 
take  in  the  context,  I  hope  this  seeming  opposition  will  be  soon 


Ser.     18.  J  A    DEAD    FAITH.  2U7 

removed.  St.  Paul  is  evidently  treating  on  the  great  point  of  a 
sinner's  justilicalion  in  the  sight  of  God  ;  he  shows  that  it  cannot 
be  of  the  law,  because  by  the  law  all  men  were  already  condemn- 
ed, and  because  then  boabting  could  not  be  excluded;  but  that  it 
was  freely  by  grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  by  Christ 
Jesus.  His  reasoning  will  appear  to  greater  advantage  by  pe- 
rusing the  whole  passage,  than  by  producing  a  few  detached  sen- 
tences. After  he  had  summed  up  the  evidence  with  respect  both 
to  Jews  and  Gentiles,  and  pronounced  his  verdict,  that  every  mouth 
must  be  stopped,  and  that  the  whole  world  stood  guilty  before 
God,  he  proceeds  thus  :  '  Therefore,  by  the  deeds  of  the  law, 
there  shall  no  llesh  be  justified  in  hts  sight !  for  by  the  law  is  the 
knowledge  of  sin.  But  now  the  righteousness  of  God  without 
the  law  is  manifested,  being  witnessed  by  the  law  and  the  pro- 
phets ;  even  the  righteousness  of  God  which  is  by  faith  of  Jesus 
Christ  unto  all,  and  upon  all  them  that  believe ;  for  there  is  no 
diflerence  :  for  all  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of  the  glory  of 
God  ;  being  justified  freel}'  by  his  grace,  through  the  redemption 
that  is  in  Jesus  Christ  :  whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  propiti- 
ation, through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteousness  for 
the  remission  of  sins  that  are  past,  through  the  forbearance  of 
God  ;  to  declare,  I  say,  at  this  time  his  righteousness  :  that  he 
might  be  just,  and  the  justifier  of  him  which  believeth  in  Jesus. 
Where  is  boasting  then  ?  It  is  excluded.  By  what  law  ?  Of 
works  ?  Nay  ;  but  by  the  law  of  faith.  Therefore  we  conclude 
that  a  man  is  justified  by  faith  without  the  deeds  of  the  law.'* 
And  because  the  Jews  had  a  high  opinion  of  Abraham,  he  pro- 
ceeds in  the  next  chapter  to  show  that  Abraham  was  justified  in 
the  same  wa}'.  '  For  what  saiih  the  Scripture  ?  Abraham  be- 
lieved God,  and  it  was  counted  unto  him  for  righteousness.  Now 
to  him  that  worketh,  is  the  reward  not  reckoned  of  grace,  but  of 
debt.  But  to  him  that  worketh  not,  but  believeth  on  him  that 
justifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  for  righteousness. 'f 
The  circumstance  in  Abraham's  life  referred  to  is,  when  he  be- 
lieved the  promise,  of  God,  that  though  he  was  then  childless,  he 
should  be  the  father  of  many  nations  ;J  and  that  particularl\ 
from  him  should  proceed  the  Messiah,  tl)e  promised  seed,  in 
whom  both  he  himself  and  all  the  families  of  the  earth  should  bo 
blessed. 

St.  James  expressly  treats  of  those  who  rested  in  a  notion 
which  they  called  faith,  and  accounted  sufficient  for  their  salva- 
tion, though  it  had  no  influence  upon  their  hearts,  tempers,  and 
conduct.     He  shows  that  their  hope  is  vain,  because  such  a  faith 

^  Rom.  iii.  20—28.  +  Rom.  iv.  3— D.  t  Gen.  xii.  ."5.  xvii.  I , 


208  OF    A    LIVING    AND  [Sci'.     IS. 

as  this  the  devils  have.  And  he  proves,  by  the  example  of  Abra- 
ham, that  his  faith  was  very  diflerent  from  theirs,  because  it  ena- 
bled him  to  perform  the  hardest  and  most  painful  act  of  obedience, 
the  offering  up  of  his  only  son.  '  What  doth  it  profit,  my  breth- 
ren, though  a  man  say  he  hath  faith,  and  have  not  works  ?  can 
(this)*  faith  save  him  ?  If  a  brother  or  sister  be  naked,  and  des- 
titute of  daily  food  ;  and  one  of  you  say  unto  them,  Depart  in 
peace,  be  ye  warmed,  and  filled  ;  notwithstanding  ye  give  them 
not  those  things  which  are  needful  to  the  body ;  what  doth  it 
profit  r*  Even  so  faith,  if  it  hath  not  works,  is  dead,  being  alone. 
Yea,  a  man  may  say,  Thou  hast  faith,  and  I  have  works  :  show 
me  thy  faith  without  thy  works,  and  I  will  show  thee  my  faith  by 
my  works.  Thou  believest  that  there  is  one  God  ;  thou  doest 
well  :  the  devils  also  believe  and  tremble.  But  wilt  thou  know, 
O  vain  man,  that  faith  without  works  is  dead  ?  Was  not  Abra- 
ham our  father  justified  by  works,  when  he  had  offered  Isaac  his 
son  upon  the  altar  ?  Seest  thou  how  faith  wrought  with  his 
works,  and  by  works  was  faith  made  perfect  ?  And  the  Scrip- 
ture was  fulfilled,  (confirmed,)  which  saith  Abraham  believed 
God,  and  it  was  imputed  unto  him  for  righteousness  :  and  he 
was  called  the  friend  of  God.  Ye  see  then  how  that  by  works 
a  man  is  justified,  and  not  by  faith  only.'f  It  is  exceeding 
plain  that  he  had  not  the  same  thing  in  view  which  St.  Paul 
had  ;  for  the  incident  to  which  he  here  refers  happened  a  great 
many  years  after  Abraham  had  been  declared  justified  in  the  sight 
of  God. 

The  sum  is,  the  one  declares  that  nothing  renders  us  acceptable 
to  God  but  faith  In  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  the  other,  that  such  a 
faith,  when  true  and  genuine,  is  not  solitary,  but  accompanied 
with  every  good  work.  The  one  speaks  of  the  justification  of 
our  persons,  this  is  by  faith  only  ;  the  other  of  the  justification  of 
our  profession,  this  is  by  faith  not  alone,  but  working  by  love, 
and  producing  obedience. 

St.  James  has  some  view  in  speaking  of  RahabjJ  and,  by 
producing  her  as  a  confirmation,  it  is  still  more  evident,  that  he  is 
only  considering  works  as  the  proofs  of  our  sincerity.  We  have 
no  sure  ground  to  conclude  that  Rahab,  in  the  act  of  receiving 
the  spies,  and  at  that  time,  had  any  saving  faith,  or  any  view  to 
the  Messiah  and  the  covenant  of  grace;  though  it  is  most  proba- 
ble she  had  after  she  was  joined  to  the  people  of  Israel,  and  be- 
came acquainted  with  divine  revelation.  But  in  Jericho  her 
thoughts  seemed  to  have  been  confined  to  a  temporal  deliverance; 
and  the  profession  of  faith  which  she  made  to  the  spies  implies  no 

*  'n  't'i^^,  this  faith.  t  James  ii.  1-1 — 21.  i  James  ii.  2r>- 


Ser.    18.]  A    DEAD    FAITH.  209 

more.  *  And  she  said  unto  the  men,  I  know  that  the  Lord  hath 
given  you  tiie  land,  and  that  your  terror  is  fallen  upon  us,  and 
that  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  faint  because  of  vou.  For 
we  have  heard  how  the  Lord  dried  up  the  Red  Sea  for  vou,  when 
you  came  out  of  Egypt ;  and  what  you  did  unto  the  two  kings  of 
the  Amorites.  And  as  soon  as  we  had  heard  these  things  our 
hearts  did  melt ;  neither  did  there  remain  any  more  courage  in 
any  man,  because  of  you  :  for  the  Lord  your  God,  he  is  God  in 
heaven  above,  and  in  earth  beneath.  Now  therefore,  I  pray  you, 
swear  unto  me  by  the  Lord,  since  I  have  showed  you  kindness, 
that  ye  will  also  show  kindness  unto  my  father's  house;  and  give 
me  a  true  token.'*  Had  she  said  thus,  and  yet  delivered  the 
spies  up  the  king  of  Jericho,  it  would  have  proved  that  she  did 
not  speak  from  her  heart ;  but  her  profession  was  justified  by  re- 
ceiving them  into  her  house,  concealing  them  from  the  search 
made  after  them,  and  sending  them  away  in  peace.  Surely  this 
conduct  of  Rahab  will  be  sufficient  tu  condemn  many  who  would 
be  thought  Christians. 

We  may  therefore  deduce  two  propositions,  perfectly  consistent 
with  each  other,  from  the  passage  in  question. 

1.  That  there  is  no  acceptance  for  any  of  the  sons  of  Adam, 
with  the  just  and  holy  God,  but  through  Jesus  Christ  as  our  right- 
eousness  received  by  faith,  and  that  in  this  concern,  works  of  every 
kind  are  absolutely  excluded. 

This  is  the  capital  doctrine  of  the  Gospel  ;  it  is  not  only  clearly 
asserted  in  innumerable  passages  both  of  the  Old  Testament  and 
the  New,  but  is  St.  Paul's  express  subject  and  design  in  his  epis- 
tles to  the  Romans  and  the  Galatians.  Though  he  was  yielding 
and  compliant  in  many  things  of  less  importance,  and  was  wil- 
ling to  become  all  things  to  all  men,  yet  he  would  not  give  place, 
no,  not  for  an  hour,  to  any  who  offered  to  invalidate  this  founda- 
tion-truth. He  declares,  that  to  mix  any  thing,  to  contend  for 
any' qualification  or  observance,  as  of  necessary  influence  to  con- 
cur with  the  perfect  work  of  Christ  in  the  justification  of  a  sin- 
ner, is  to  darken,  alter,  and  destroy  the  gospel  which  he  preached; 
and  denounces  an  anathema  against  every  one  who  should  be 
guilty  of  this  presumption,  yea,  though  he  should  be  (if  suchf  a 
thing  was  possible)  an  angel  from  heaven.  How  cordially  he 
rested  his  own  hope  upon  the  truth  which  he  proposed  to  others, 
he  declares  elsewhere,  '  Yea,  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things  but 
loss,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  mv 
Lord:  for  whom  I  have  suffered  the  loss  of  all  things,  and  do 
count  them  but  dung,   that  1   may  win  Christ,  and  be  found   in 

*  Joshua  ii.  9—12.  t  G.il.  i,  8,  0, 

Vol..   H.  27 


-210  OK    A    LIVING    ANU  [Sci'.    18. 

him,*  not  having  mine  own  righteousness,  which  is  of  thej  law, 
but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  the  righteousness  of 
God  by  faith.' 

If  this  is  the  scriptural  doctrine,  let  each  one  examine  on  what 
ground  you  stand.  Has  God  appointed  one  way  of  salvation, 
and  will  any  of  you  dare  to  propose  another?  This  would  be 
both  wicked  and  dangerous  :  '  Other  foundation  can  no  man  lay 
than  that  which  is  laid,  which  is  Jesus  Christ. J  You  may  please 
yourselves  now  with  w  hat  you  account  your  good  works  ;  but 
when  God  shall  '  lay  iudgment  to  the  line,  and  righteousness  to 
the  plummet,'^  none  will  be  able  to  abide  his  appearance  but  those 
who  can  plead  a  righteousness  perfectly  answerable  to  the  law's 
demands,  which  can  only  be  found  in  Jesus  Christ,  the  righteous 
one. 

And  as  this  doctrine  is  of  so  great  and  essential  importance, 
beware  how  you  listen  to  any  other.  Take  heed  how  you  hear;|j 
be  not  influenced  by  the  names,  characters,  or  stations  of  men, 
when  the  salvation  of  your  souls  is  at  stake.  Prize  the  liberty 
which,  as  Protestants  and  Britons,  you  enjoy,  of  bringing  every 
doctrine  to  the  trial  of  God's  word,  and  freely  use  it.  I  account 
it  my  honour  and  happiness  that  I  preach  to  a  free  people,  who 
have  the  Bible  in  their  hands.  To  your  Bibles  I  appeal.  I  en- 
treat, I  charge  you,  to  receive  nothing  upon  my  word  any  further 
than  I  prove  it  from  the  word  of  God  ;  and  bring  every  preacher, 
and  every  sermon  that  you  hear,  to  the  same  standard.  If  this 
is  the  truth,  you  had  need  to  be  well  established  in  it ;  for  it  is 
not  the  current  and  fashionable  doctrine  of  the  times.  Let  me 
then  further  recommend  to  you  (it  is  a  direction  our  Lord  has 
given)  to  examine  doctrines  by  their  eflects  :  '  by  their  fruits  ye 
shall  know  them.'^  The  truths  of  God,  when  faithfully  preached, 
in  humble  dependence  upon  his  blessing,  will  be  attested  by  his 
power.  At  such  times,  and  in  such  places,  a  visible  change  will 
soon  be  observable  in  some  or  more  of  the  hearers  :  they  cease  to 
do  evil,  they  learn  to  do  well :  they  acknowledge  God  in  all  their 
ways,  and  glorify  him  before  men,  by  living  according  to  his  pre- 
cepts. And  if  you  ask  them  the  reason  of  this  change,  they  will 
freely  ascribe  it  to  the  blessing  of  God  upon  that  sort  of  preaching 
which  by  too  many  is  accounted  foolishness.*"^ 

*Phil.  iii.8,  9. 

t  Ex  vo/xs,  of  law  :  that  is,  of  any  law  whatsoever,  not  of  theX'AW,  as  it 
he  only  meant  the  Jewisij  law.  The  article  ts  seeras  here  to  be  purposely 
left  out. 

JlCor.iii.il.  C5  Isa.  xxviii.  17.  jj  Mavk  iv.  24.    Lukeviii.  1c- 

*I  Matt.  vii.  16.  ■;•:■*  1  Cor.  i.  £1. 


Ser.  18.j  A    DEAD    fAITH.  211 

On  the  other  hand,  we  are  not  afraid  to  challenge  those  who  are 
most  acquainted  with  men  and  books,  to  produce  instances  of  the 
same  effects  wrouglit  by  any  other  doctrine  than  that  which  com- 
mends the  Lord  Christ  in  his  person,  offices,  and  power,  as  the 
only  object  of  a  sinner's  hope.  How  much  is  said  and  wrote  to 
tell  people  what  they  should  be,  and  what  they  should  do  !  yet 
where  these  principles  are  not  enforced  there  is  nothing  effectual- 
ly done,  nothing  indeed  attempted  beyond  a  formal  round  of  dull 
and  heartless  service  :  a  little  something  that  looks  like  religion 
on  the  Lord's  day  ;  to  appear  in  church  at  the  summons  of  the 
bell,  to  repeat  words  because  other  people  do  the  same,  to  hear 
what  is  delivered  from  the  pulpit  with  little  attention  or  affection, 
unless  something  occurs  that  is  suited  to  exalt  self,  or  to 
soothe  conscience,  and  then  to  run  with  eagerness  into  the  world 
again. 

Or  if  here  and  there  a  person  is  truly  touched  by  the  secret 
influence  and  guidance  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  where  this  evangeli- 
cal doctrine  is  not  publicly  maintained,  the  consequence  always  is, 
that  they  renounce  the  things  which  they  before  held  for  truths, 
are  brought  into  that  way  of  thinking  which  is  agreeable  to  St, 
Paul's  doctrine,  and  receive  it  gladly  whenever  it  comes  in  their 
way. 

It  must  be  allowed,  however,  at  the  same  time,  that  there  are 
counterfeit  professors,  whose  religion  lies  in  notions,  and  who, 
while  they  profess  to  believe  in  God,  in  works  deny  him  ;  by  rea- 
son of  whom  the  ways  of  truth  are  evil  spoken  of.*  This  the 
apostles  have  taught  us  to  expect :  nay,  it  was  so  from  the  begin- 
ning, even  while  the  apostles  were  themselves  personally  with  the 
churches.  To  such  St.  James  addresses  the  passage  1  have  been 
reading  to  you,  of  which  my  text  is  the  conclusion;  and  as  1  dare 
not  hope  that  there  are  none  such  in  this  great  assembly,  it  is 
highly  proper,  that  before  I  conclude  I  shall  take  notice  of  a 
second  proposition  which  naturally  ofters  from  the  subject  we  have 
had  in  hand;  and  more  especially  from  the  reasoning  of  St.  James 
and  from  the  words  of  my  text. 

2.  That  true  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  a  prevailing 
and  habitual  influence  upon  the  hearts  and  lives  of  those  who 
possess  it ;  and  that  they  are  vain  men,  and  deceivers  of  them- 
selves, who  pretend  to  faith  in  him,  while  their  lives  and  conver- 
sations show  them  to  be  enslaved  to  the  love  of  the  world,  and 
the  dominion  of  sin.  The  apostle,  to  inspire  us  with  a  just  ab- 
horrence of  this  false  profession,  makes  use  of  two  comparisons 
which  arc  exceeding  striking.     May  God  open  the  eyes  of  thos? 

*2Pet.ii.2. 


212  OF  A  Livijsii  AM»  [Ser.  18. 

who  are  concerned  in  it,  to  perceive  and  tremble  at  the  justness 
and  horror  of  the  resemblance. 

1st.  He  compares  it  to  the  faith  of  devils  :  '  Thou  believest  there 
is  one  God  ;  thou  dost  well.  The  devils  also  believe,  and  trem- 
ble.'* Are  there  any  here  whom  it  is  needful  to  address  in  lhi< 
harsh  manner  ?  My  dear  brethren,  bear  with  me ;  I  wish  you 
well,  and  would  willingly  rejoice  in  every  good  appearance;  but 
alas  !  how  little  does  it  signify  what  you  believe,  or  what  you  say. 
unless  your  acknowledged  principles  have  an  eflect  upon  your 
conduct  ! 

Do  you  believe  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ.''  so  does  Satan.  Do 
you  believe  the  election  of  God,  the  sovereignty  of  grace,  the  per- 
severance of  the  saints  ?  It  is  possible  the  devil  may  have  a  more 
extensive  knowledge  in  these  doctrines  than  the  wisest  of  men  ; 
yet  this  benefits  him  not;  it  is  not  want  of  knowledge,  but  want 
of  love,  that  makes  him  what  he  is. 

The  oidy  effect  mentioned  of  the  faith  of  devils  is,  that  it  in- 
creases their  terror,  and  aggravates  their  guilt.  They  believe, 
(there  are  no  sceptics  in  hell,)  and  tremble.  Is  not  this  tod^much 
the  case  of  some  of  you  ?  If  you  knew  less,  you  would  be 
easier  at  last,  and  less  inexcusable  ;  and  yet  perhaps  you  mistake 
your  state,  and  think  yourselves  on  this  account  far  less  blameable 
than  you  really  are.  Perhaps  sometimes,  when  you  reflect  sin- 
cerely on  your  ways,  and  how  strangely  you  are  hurried  to  act 
contrary  to  the  convictions  which  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel 
forces  upon  you,  you  are  ready  to  charge  the  Lord  and  his  dis- 
pensations hardly,  and  to  say,  O  that  he  would  give  me  his  grace  I 
but  if  not,  what  can  I  do  without  it  f  Let  conscience  now  speak 
faithfully,  and  it  will  tell  you  that  if  you  are  condemned,  it  will 
not  be  for  what  you  cannot  do,  but  for  wilfully  refusing  to  improve 
the  power  already  given  you.  When  I  tell  you,  tliat  without  ho- 
liness no  man  shall  see  the  Lord  with  comfort,  and  that  you  must 
break  off  from  your  vain  company  and  evil  practices  if  you  ex- 
pect or  desire  to  be  saved,  you  know  that  I  speak  the  truth  ;  and 
your  looks  often  testify  that  you  feel  the  force  of  it.  Now,  while 
the  word  of  God  is  sounding  in  your  ears,  you  perhaps  are  think- 
ing, '  It  is  time,  high  time  indeed,  to  break  off;  though  the  Lord 
has  forborn  me  long,  he  will  surely  strike  at  last,  if  I  go  on  thus.' 
And  yet,  alas!  what  I  have  formerly  seen  gives  me  much  cause 
to  fear  that  to-morrow,  or  the  next  time  they  entice  you,  you  will 
consent  again.  But  could  I  tell  you  that  by  going  a  different 
way  you  might  gain  a  sum  of  money  ;  or  could  make  it  appear 
that  the   next  time  you  went  to  such  a  place  your  house  would 

*  James  ii.  19. 


Ser.  18.J  A    DEAD    FAITH.  213 

certainly  be  robbed,  1  make  no  doubt  but  you  would  forbear. 
And  yet  gold  is  not  grace.  It  is  then  plain  that  you  have  power, 
but  your  will  is  in  fault.  God  has  enlighted  your  conscience  ; 
but  you  rebel  against  it.  O  repent,  while  there  is  yet  space  af- 
forded. Call  upon  the  name  of  Jesus  .'*  who  knows  but  he  may 
even  yet  deliver  you  ! 

2dly.  He  compares  it  to  a  dead  carcass,  which  is  not  only  un- 
profitable, but  loathsome  and  oflensive.  May  God  show  you  to- 
day how  odious  your  profession  is  in  his  sight !  for  by  assenting 
to  tiie  truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  outwardly  favouring  the  cause, 
and  the  instrument  whom  the  Lord  has  raised  up  to  promote  it, 
you  are  so  far  professors.  May  he  enable  you  to  be  not  only  al- 
most, but  altogether  Christians!  for  while  you  thus  halt  between 
two  opinions,  and  stand  divided  between  God  and  the  world,  you 
are  an  abomination  to  God,  a  grief  to  his  people,  a  stumbling- 
block  to  the  ignorant,  and  are,  (if  this  was  of  any  weight  in  com- 
parison of  what  I  have  already  said)  secretly  despised  by  those 
who  pretend  to  court  your  acquaintance.  Your  guilt  is  in  some 
respects  more  aggravated,  and  your  example  unspeakably  more 
mischievous,  than  either  would  be  if  you  openly  rejected  the 
truth.  You  stand  in  the  rank  of  those  wicked  servants  who  know 
their  master's  will,  but  do  it  not.  The  great  judge  has  de- 
termined concerning  these,  that  they  shall  be  beaten  with  ma- 
ny stripes.*  Awake  to  righteousness,  and  sin  not  ;  look  up 
to  Jesus,  who  is  exalted  to  bestow  both  faith  and  repentance, 
that  you  may  no  longer  be  torn  in  pieces  by  those  inward 
contentions,  but  experience  that  peace  which  passes  all  under- 
standing.! 


*L»kexii.  48.  -Phil.iv.  r. 


SERMON  XIX. 


GUILT  REMOVED,  AND  PEACE  RESTORED. 


Psalm  li.  15. 
O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips,  and  my  mouth  shall  show  forth  thy  praise. 

The  history  of  David  is  full  of  instruction.  Every  thing  re- 
corded of  him  affords  lis  either  consolation  or  caution.  In  his 
example,  we  see  much  of  the  sovereign  power  and  providence  of 
God.  When  a  youth,  though  the  least  of  his  father's  house,  he 
was  singled  out,  and  called  from  following  sheep,  to  rule  a  king- 
dom. We  see  him  supported  through  a  variety  of  difficulties, 
and  at  length  established  in  his  throne,  to  the  amazement  and  con- 
fusion of  his  enemies.  In  him  likewise  we  have  a  striking  proof 
of  the  evil  that  is  in  the  heart  of  man.  Who  would  have  thought 
it,  that  David,  the  man  so  highly  favoured,  so  wonderfully  pre- 
served, the  man  after  God's  own  heart,  who  in  the  time  of  his 
distress  could  say,  '  My  soul  thirsteth  for  God,  even  for  the  living 
God  ;*  that  he  should  be  in  an  unguarded  hour  seduced,  surprised, 
and  led  captive  of  the  devil  !  From  gazing  he  proceeds  to  adul- 
tery, from  adultery,  to  murder,  and  at  length  sinks  into  such  a 
stupid  frame  of  mind,  that  an  express  message  from  God  was 
needful  to  convince  him  of  his  sin.  And  in  this  circumstance  we 
further  see  the  riches  of  divine  grace  and  mercy;  how  tenderly 
the  Lord  watches  over  his  sheep,  how  carefully  he  brings  them 
back  when  wandering  from  him,  and  with  what  rich  goodness  he 
heals  their  back-slidings,  and  loves  them  freely.  David  was  fall- 
en, but  not  lost.  '  The  thing  which  he  had  done  displeased  the 
Lord.'f  Yet  his  loving  kindness  and  faithfulness  were  unuttera- 
ble. He  was  interested  in  that  covenant,  '  which  is  well  ordered 
in  all  things  and  sure  ;'|  and  therefore,  when  he  confessed  his 
sin  the  Lord  assured  him,  by  his  servant  Nathan,  that  '  he  had  put 
away  his  sin,  and  he  should  not  die  for  it.'<^ 

However,  though  the  Lord  is  thus  gracious  in  passing  by  the 
iniquity  of  his  children,  yet  he  will  let  them  know,  by  sorrowful 
experience,  that  '  it  is  an  evil  and  a  bitter  thing  to  sin  against 
him. 'II     Though  he  will  not  cast   off,   he  will  chasten  ;  he   will 

'^  Psalm  xlii  2.  f  2  Sam.  xi.  27.  t  £  Sam.  xxiii.  .">. 

^  aSam.xii.  13.  !|Jer.  ii.  IS. 


Ser.  19.]  GUILT  removed,  &;c.   '  216 

withdraw  his  presence,  and  suspend  his  gracious  influences ;  and 
this  to  a  sensible  heart  is  a  heavy  punisliment.  Though  David 
was  delivered  from  the  fear  of  death  and  hell,  he  penned  this 
psalm  in  the  bitterness  of  his  soul.  He  did  not  consider  the 
Lord  as  his  enemy,  but  as  a  friend  and  father,  whom  he  had 
greatly  offended.  He  longed  to  be  reconciled  ;  but  could  not  as 
yet  recover  his  former  confidence.  He  hoped,  indeed,  that  a  time 
of  refreshment  looidd  come  from  his  presence  ;  and  therefore  he 
continued  waiting;  but  for  the  present  he  made  heavy  complaints, 
that  his  bones  were  broken,  and  his  mouth  stopped.  He  had  lost 
his  strength  and  life,  and  found  he  could  not  restore  himself. 
He  was  struck  dumb  by  his  late  fall ;  and  therefore  he  breathes 
out  this  prayer,  '  O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips,  and  my  mouth  shall 
show  forth  thy  praise.' 

From  these  words  I  propose  to  consider  that  mournful  case, 
which  too  often  happens  in  the  Christian  life,  when  the  believer's 
mouth  is  stopped  and  his  lips  closed,  so  that  he  cannot  show  forth 
the  praises  of  his  God.     And  in  this  view, 

1 .  I  shall  point  out  to  you  the  persons  who  have  reason  to  make 
this  complaint. 

2.  Explain  what  is  implied  in  their  lips  being  thus  shut  up. 

3.  Show  you  by  what  means  the  Lord  opens  the  closed  lips. 
And, 

4. 1  shall  observe,  that  when  a  person's  lips  are  thus  opened,  his 
mouth,  and  all  that  is  within  him,  will  certainly  show  forth  the 
Lord's  praise.  May  tlie  Holy  Spirit  apply  the  word,  and  com- 
mand a  blessing  upon  the  whole  ! 

I.  This  petition  especially  suits  two  sorts  of  persons. 

1.  The  black  sliding  hoWexev  ',  one  who  has  formerly  known  the 
goodness  of  God  ;  has  rested  in  his  love,  and  rejoiced  in  his 
salvation ;  '  has  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious,'*  and  walked 
with  comfort  in  the  way  of  his  commandments;  but  at  length, 
by  an  unguarded  conduct,  or  by  building  wood,  hay,  and  stubble, 
upon  the  Lord's  foundation, f  has  grieved  the  good  Spirit  of 
God,  and  he  is  withdrawn.  The  comforterj  and  instructor  of 
his  soul  is  far  from  him;  and  therefore  he  sits  in  darkness 
and  silence.  He  only  retains  a  sense  of  his  loss,  and  can  do 
no  more  than  sigh  out  this  prayer  :  *  O  Lord,  open  thou  my 
lips.' 

2.  The  doubting  believer.  The  unbelieving  beUever,  if  I  may 
be  allowed  the  expression,  {  mean  one  who  has  been  deeply  con- 
vinced of  sin,  and  taught,  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  that  there  is  no 
salvation  but  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     One  who  loves  the  word, 

*  1  Pet.  ii.  3.  f  1  Cor.  iii.  1 1— IS.  +  Lam.  i.  16 


216  GDILT    KEMOVED,  [Scr.    19. 

and  ways,  and  people  of  God,  who  is  carelul  to  llic  utmost  of  bis 
power  to  abstain  from  the  evil  that  is  in  the  world,  and  esteems 
'  the  loving  kindness  of  the  Lord  to  be  better  than  life.'*  One 
at  whom  the  enemy  has  often  thrust  sore  that  he  might  fall,f 
but  the  Lord  has  secretly  upheld  him  through  many  a  bitter 
hour,  and  he  finds  he  is  not  cut  off  yet,  though  he  perhaps 
expects  it  every  day.  Such  as  these  have,  indeed,  sufficient 
ground  to  sa}^  '  if  the  Lord  was  not  on  my  side,  I  had  been 
swallowed  up  long  ago.'|  They  have  reason  to  conclude,  with 
David,  '  By  this,  if  by  nothing  else,  I  know  that  thou  favourest 
me,  seeing  my  enemies,  who  have  assaulted  me  so  continually, 
have  not  yet  prevailed  against  me.'§  But  yet,  through  a  sense 
of  past  guilt,  a  sight  of  present  corruptions,  the  prevalence  of 
unbelief,  the  workings  of  a  legal  spirit,  the  want  of  a  clear  ap- 
prehension of  the  Lord's  way  of  justifying  the  ungodly,  and 
from  the  foi'ce  of  Satan's  temptations,  who  is  exceeding  busy  to 
press  all  these  things  upon  the  heart,  their  mouths  are  stopped 
likewise.  They  cannot  believe,  and  therefore  they  cannot  speak. 
However,  there  are  seasons  and  intervals  when  they  obtain  a  lit- 
tle glimpse  of  hope,  and  then  the  whole  desire  of  their  souls  is 
expressed  in  the  words  of  my  text.  '  O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips, 
and  my  mouth  shall  show  forth  thy  praise.' 

II.  I  proceed  to  consider  what  may  be  included  in  this  case, 
what  it  is  to  have  the  mouth  stopped.  The  persons  I  have  men- 
tioned have  the  same  liberty  of  speech  in  common  affairs  as  oth- 
ers ;  but  because  they  cannot  converse  freely  with  him,  who  not- 
withstanding all  their  doubts,  and  fears,  and  follies,  still  main- 
tains a  secret  hold  of  their  souls,  they  account  themselves  no 
better  than  dumb.  Tliey  cannot  speak  to  the  Lord,  nor  o/him, 
nor  for  him,  as  they  wish  and  ought  to  do.  These  are  the 
three  heads  of  their  complaint,  and  therefore  they  sigh,  and  say. 
'  O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips.' 

1 .  Alas !  says  the  believer  that  has  sinned,  and  lost  his  strength, 
•  O  that  it  was  with  me  as  in  times  past  !'||  I  well  remember 
when  I  had  freedom  of  access,  and  found  it  good  to  draw  near  to 
my  God  ;  when  I  could  pour  out  all  my  complaints  and  cares 
before  him,  and  leave  them  with  him.  I  remember  the  time 
when  my  heart  was  overwhelmed  within  me,  and  my  spirit  was 
burdened.^  I  saw  myself  a  wretched,  helpless  sinner.  Innumer- 
able evils  took  hold  of  me.  1  thought  I  was  marked  out  for  de- 
struction. I  found  Satan  at  my  right  hand,  waiting  for  a  per- 
mission to  seize  my  soul,  and  make  me  his   prey   for  ever.**     I 

*  Psal.  Ixiii.  .'3.       +Psal.  cxviii.  13.       4  Psal.  cxxiv.  3.       bPsal.xli.il. 
1  Job  xxix.  2.         T  P.«al.  oxlii.  3.        ^-  Zecli.  iii.  1. 


Ser.     19.]  AND  PEACE  RESTORED.  .217 

looked  round,  but  saw  no  way  to  escape,  and  gave  up  all  for  lost. 
But,  O  !  I  remember,  when  none  in  heaven  or  earth  could  help 
me,  iiow  the  Lord  drew  '  near  to  me  in  the  day  of  my  distress,* 
and  said  unto  my  soul,  fear  not,  I  am  thy  salvation.'  He  reveal- 
ed himself  as  an  almighty,  suitable  Saviour.  He  said,  '  Deliver 
]iim  from  going  down  to  the  pit,  I  have  found  a  ransom. 'f  '  He 
brought  me  out  of  the  horrible  pit,  and  miry  clay,  and  set  my 
feet  upon  a  rock. 'J  '  He  brought  me  into  his  banqueting-house, 
and  his  banner  over  me  was  love.  I  sat  down  under  his  shadow 
with  great  delight,  and  his  fruit  was  sweet  unto  my  taste. '§  This 
was  the  beginning  ;  but  it  was  not  all.  Many  a  gracious  visit 
he  favoured  me  with  afterwards.  O  the  sweet  hours  of  secret 
prayer!  O  the  happy  communion  in  which  I  VTalked  with  him 
all  the  da}'  long  !  '  Then,  in  the  multitude  of  thoughts  within 
me,  his  comforts  refreshed  my  soul.'||  Then  I  could  smile  at 
Satan's  rage,  and  face  a  frowning  world.  Every  blessing  of 
common  providence  was  doubly  welcome,  for  I  could  read  his 
name  of  love  written  upon  it :  and  every  affliction  brought  resig- 
nation and  peace,  because  I  saw  my  Father's  hand  in  it,  and 
found  at  a  throne  of  grace  renewed  strength  always  suited  to  my 
need.  Happy  were  those  times :  but,  alas  !  they  are  gone.  I 
could  hardly  then  persuade  myself  that  I  should  be  moved  any 
more.  I  little  thought  there  was  such  desperate  wickedness  in 
my  heart,  that,  after  so  much  experience  of  his  goodness,  I  should 
foolishly  wander  from  him  again.  But,  O  !  what  a  change  have 
I  lived  to  see  !  I  have  grieved  that  good  Spirit  of  God  by  which 
I  was  sealed,  and  now  I  find  myself  in  the  hands  of  my  enemies. 
The  Lord  hides  himself  and  stands  afar  off;  and  I  have  lost  the 
power  of  prayer.  Those  precious  promises  which  once  were  the 
joy  of  my  soul,  which  I  could  boldly  plead  at  the  throne  of  grace, 
and  say,  all  these  are  mine,  have  no  longer  any  power  or  sweet- 
ness ;  I  read  them,  but  I  cannot  feel  them ;  and  my  trials  and  sins, 
which  once  I  could  cast  upon  my  Saviour,  and  find  instant  relief, 
are  now  a  heavy  burden,  too  great  for  me  to  bear.  Mercies  have 
lost  their  relish,  and  afflictions  have  lost  their  usefulness ;  since 
neither  the  one  nor  the  other  are  of  force  to  stir  up  my  soul  to 
prayer,  '  O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips.' 

I  remember,  likewise,  when  1  had  this  freedom  in  speaking  with 
God,  how  pleasing  it  was  to  me  to  speak  of  him.  My  heart  was 
full,  and  running  over  with  a  sense  of  his  goodness,  so  that  it  was 
my  meat  and  drink  to  say,  '  Come  unto  me  all 30U  that  fear  God, 
and  T  will  tell  you  what  he   hath  done  for  my  soul. 'IF     Then  the 

*  Lain.  iii.  57.  t  Job  xxxin.24.  t  Psalm  xl.  2. 

^  Cunt,ii.  3,  4.  \\  Psalm  xeiv.  19.  U  Psalm  Isvi.  16. 

Vol.  IL  28 


lib  OUILT  REMOVED,  [Scr.  19 

company  ol  his  people  was  delightful  indeed.  The  meanest  of 
his  children  that  would  sit  and  hear  me  speak  of  his  loving-kind- 
ness, was  precious  to  me :  I  esteemed  them  the  excellent  of  the 
earth,*  in  whom  was  all  my  delight.  '  We  took  sweet  eoiuisel 
together,  and  walked  to  the  house  of  God  in  company. 'f  And 
I  thank  God  I  love  them  still;  but  I  can  neither  help  them,  nor  be 
helped    by   them,    as   in  times  past.     In  vain   they  say  unto  me, 

*  Come,  sing  us  one  of  the  songs  of  Zion.  Alas  !  how  can  I 
sing  the  songs  of  the  Lord  in  a  strange  land.^*  .  My  harp  is  hung 
upon  the  willows,  my  tongue  cleaveth  to  the  roof  of  my  mouth. '| 
I  dwell  in  darkness  and  silence,  as  those  who  have  been  long  dead. 
'  O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips.' 

And  when  I  could  thus  speak  to  God,  and  of  him,  I  had  like- 
wise liberty  to  speak /or  him.  '  I  was  then  very  jealous  for  the 
Lord  of  hosts. '§  It  wounded  my  soul  to  hear  his  name  profaned, 
to  see  his  commandments  broken,  and  his  Gospel  slighted.  I  had 
a  tender  concern  for  poor  sinners.  I  could  not  but  wish  that,  if 
possible,  every  person  I  met  might  know  what  I  knew,  and  feel 
what  I  felt.  And  especially  where  I  had  friendship  and  influence, 
I  was  ready  to  imj)rove  it  to  the  best  purpose.  '  The  love  of 
Christ  constrained  me  to  lay  myself  out  for  his  service.']!  I  could 
not  but  oppose  sin  and  self-righteousness,  and  plead  the  cause 
of  my  Saviour  upon  every  occasion.  '  I  was  notlT  ashamed 
of  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  for  1  felt  it  the  power  of  God  unto 
salvation  in  my  own  soul,'  and  durst  recommend  it  to  every 
one,  as  the  only  balm  for  sin  and  sorrow.  But  now  '  the  crown 
is  fallen  from  my  head  ;  wo  unto  me  that  I  have  sinned  !'**  I 
am  shut  out  from  the  fountain,  and  all  my  streams  are  dried 
up.       My  comforts  and  my    usefulness    are    declined    together, 

•  O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips,  and  my  mouth  shall  show  forth 
thy  praise.' 

Such  is  the  complaint  of  the  backslider  in  heart,  when  he  is 
fdled  with  his  own  ways. 

And,  2.  This,  with  a  little  variation,  will  suit  the  doubting, 
tempted  soul  too.  These  will  confess,  that  the  experience  I  have 
described  is  the  desire  of  their  hearts.  Such  communication 
with  God,  such  a  freedom  in  his  ways,  such  a  zeal  for  his  service, 
is  the  very  thing  they  mean,  when  they  entreat  the  Lord  to  open 
their  lips.  And,  indeed,  they  cannot,  they  dare  not  deny  but 
they  have  at  times  had  some  little  tastes  of  them,  otherwise  they 
would  not  know  what  I  mean.    For  these  things  are,  to  the  natural 

*Psalmxvi.4.  f  Psalm  Iv.  14.  t  Psuliu  cxxxvii.  S— :>. 

^  1  Kings  xix.  10.       ]|  2  Cor.  v.  14.  1[  Rom.  i.  10. 

**  Lam.  V.  16. 


Ser.    19.]  AND    PEACE    RESTORED.  219 

man,  the  merest  folly  imaginable  ;  he  understands  them  not,  there- 
fore he  despises  them;  nay,  he  hates  them  with  a  perfect  hatred, 
and  opposes  them  with  all  his  heart.  But  still  they  complain 
under  a  present  burden.  One  dark  hour  of  temptation  blots  out 
all  the  traces  of  comfort  they  have  known,  and  they  refuse  con- 
solation. They  will  insist  on  it,  I  have  neither  part  nor  lot  in 
the  matter;  I  cannot  get  near  him,  and  I  tear  I  never  shall. 
When  I  attempt  to  pray,  a  sense  of  my  sins  and  sinfulness  stops 
my  mouth.  1  see  the  Lord  not  upon  the  golden  mercy-seat,  but 
upon  the  fiery  throne  of  justice,  and  I  am  i*eady  to  call  upon  the 
rocks  and  mountains  to  hide  me  from  his  presence.  When  t 
>^'ould  commune  with  his  people,  I  am  silenced  by  that  dreadful 
word,  '  What  hast  tiiou  to  do,  to  declare  my  statutes,  or  to  take 
my  covenant  into  thy  mouth  ?'*  When  I  would  bear  my  feeble 
testimony  for  him  in  the  world,  conscience  alarms  me,  and  says, 
'  Thou  that  teachest  others,  teachest  thou  not  thyself  ?'f  And 
then  '  The  enemy  comes  in  like  a  tlood,'J  with,  '  God  has  for- 
saken him  ;  persecute  and  take  him,  for  there  is  none  to  deliver 
him.'§  Thus  '  I  spend  my  days  in  groaning,  and  water  my  couch 
with  tears.' H 

This  is  a  heavy  case  indeed ;  and  would  be  insupportable,  but 
that  the  faithfid  Shepherd,  in  a  secret,  unseen  way,  atibrds  timely 
succour,  and  sets  bounds  to  the  raging  enemy,  beyond  which  he 
cannot  pass,  '  hitherto  shalt  thou  come  ;'**  thus  far  thou  art  per- 
mitted to  vrx,  and  wound,  and  tear,  but  no  further.  The  Lord 
knows  our  frame,  and  has  promised  with  '  every  temptation  to 
provide  either  strength  to  endure,  or  a  way  to  escape. 'ff  Two 
things  are  proper  to  be  mentioned  for  the  encouragement  of  such 
souls  to  wait  on  and  expect  deliverance. 

The  first  is.  The  examples  of  his  saints.  Think  not  your  lot 
strange,  as  though  some  new  and  unheard-of  thing  had  befallen 
you.  Thousands,  and  ten  thousands,  now  in  glory,  have  tasted, 
yea,  drank  deeply  of  this  cup  before  you.  And  many  yet  upon 
earth,  who  are  now  rejoicing  in  the  light  of  God's  countenance, 
have  said  in  times  past,  as  you  say  now,  '  I  shall  one  day  perish 
by  the  hand  of  these  enemies  ;  the  Lord  hath  cast  me  quite  off, 
and  I  shall  never  live  to  see  his  goodness  in  the  land  of  the  liv- 
ing.'JJ  Or,  if  you  choose  Scripture  proofs,  you  need  only  read 
the  book  of  Job,  the  Psalms,  and  the  liamentations  of  Jeremiah, 
to  be  convinced,  that  some  whom  you  number  amongst  the  Lord's 
most  eminent  and  highly-favoured  servants,  have  been  induced 

*  Psalm  1.  16.  f  Rom.  ii.  21.  t  I«i-  lis.  19. 

■>  Psalm  Ixxi.  11.  ||  Psalm  vi.  6.  *'*  .Job  xxxviii.  J 1 

-j;  1  Cor.  X,  1:1.  11  1  Sam.xxvii.  1.     Psalm  Ixxiv.  1. 


220  GUILT  REMOVED,  [Scr.    19. 

to  use  ^uch  expressions  as  suit  your  case,  no  less  than  if  they 
had  been  wrote  for  you  alone.  Do  not  they  say,  that  '  they 
were  broken  with  breach  upon  breach  ;'  that  the  arrows  of 
God  stuck  fast  in  tliem  ;  that  '  the  Lord  wrote  bitter  things 
against  them,  and  counted  them  his  enemies  ;'  that  he  had  shut 
them  up  within  stone  walls,  and  covered  himself  with  a  cloud,  that 
their  prayers  might  not  pa^s  through  ?'*  These  are  but  a  small 
part  of  their  complaints  ;  and  what  can  you  say  more  than  this  1 

Again,  Consider  the  precious  promises  of  the  word.  Are  they 
not  expressly  directed  to  you  ?  Do  you  account  yourself  a 
backslider  ?  '  Return  unto  me,  ye  backsliding  children,  and  I 
will  receive  you,  saith  the  Lord.'f  Do  you  think  yourself  a 
sinner  of  uncommon  size  ?  Yet,  saith  the  Lord,  '  Though  your 
sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  white  as  snow  ;  though  they  be 
red  like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool. 'J  Do  you  say  your 
neck  is  as  an  iron  sinew,  and  your  brow  brass  ?  Yet  hear  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  '  Hearken  unto  me,  ye  stout-hearted,  that  are 
far  from  righteousness.  I  bring  near  my  righteousness ;  it  shall 
not  be  far  off.'§  Is  there  something  peculiarly  dreadful  in  your 
case,  something  that  you  could  hardly  be  prevailed  on  to  entrust 
to  your  dearest  friend  ?  Yet  be  not  afraid  :  for  truth  has  said, 
'  All  manner  of  sin  and  blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven  unto  men. 
Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  the  unrighteous  man  his 
thoughts ;  and  let  him  return  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  will  have 
mercy  upon  him  ;  and  to  our  God,  for  he  will  abundantly  par- 
don.'||  But  still,  when  we  have  said  all,  we  are  but  miserable 
comforters.  Even  with  the  word  of  God  in  our  mouths,  we 
speak  too  often  in  vain.  It  is  the  Lord  alone  that  can  open  the 
lips.  And,  O  !  that  this  may  be  the  happy  opportunity  of  his 
gracious  appearance  in  favour  of  all  here  present,  that  our  wounds 
may  be  healed,  and  our  tongues  unloosed  to  proclaim  his  praise! 
Lift  up  your  hearts  to  him,  while  I  endeavour  to  show  you  by 
what  means,  or  in  what  manner  the  Lord  is  pleased  to  open  the 
lips  that  have  been  long  closed.  This  is  the  third  particular  I 
proposed  to  consider  from  my  text. 

III.  I  say  then,  that  when  the  Lord  is  about  to  open  the  lips, 
he  proceeds  by  the  following  steps: 

1.  He  opens  the  eyes.  We  are  often  in  a  similar  case  with 
Hagar  in  the  wilderness.  The  water  was  spent  in  the  bottle,  and 
she  sat  down  in  despair.  There  was  a  well  or  fountain  close  to 
her,  sufficient  to  have   supplied  her  with  water  to  her  life's  end  ; 

*  Job  xvi   14.     Ps.  xxxviii.  2.     Job  xiii.  26.  and  xxxiii  10.     Lam.  iii.  9.  44. 
t  Jci.  iii.  14.22.  t  Isa.  i.  la.  b  Isa.  xlvi.  12^13. 

!!  Matt.  xii.  31.     Isa.IvT. 


Ser.     19.]  AND    PEACE    RESTORED.  22X 

but  she  saw  it  not  till  God  opened  licr  eyes.*  Just  so  many  a 
poor  soul  is  distressed,  and  says,  My  stock  is  spent ;  I  had  but 
little  grace  at  the  best,  and,  alas !  that  little  is  gone.  And 
now,  if  the  Lord  should  ask  some  ha7-d  thing,  woidd  you  not  do 
it  to  obtain  a  supply  ?  You  would  willingly  take  a  long  journey, 
or  part  with  all  your  weakh,  to  have  grace  abounding  in  your 
hearts ;  but  you  know  you  cannot  expect  help  in  this  way.  It  is 
true,  all  contrivances  of  our  own  will  have  no  effect ;  but,  blessed 
be  God,  they  are  as  needless  as  they  would  be  useless.  We  need 
not  dig  in  the  earth,  nor  climb  the  skies,  nor  cross  the  seas  ;  our 
remedy  is  near.f  We  need  no  costly  offerings  of  silver  or  gold  ; 
our  remedy  is  cheap.  Come,  pore  no  longer  upon  your  empty 
bottle,  but  look  to  the  fountain,  the  river,  the  ocean  of  all  grace. 
May  the  Lord  open  your  eyes,  (as  he  did  the  eyes  of  Elisha's 
servant,^)  and  I  will  undertake  to  point  you  to  an  object  that 
shall  answer  all  your  wants.  Look  unto  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ; 
look  unto  him  as  he  hung  naked,  wounded,  bleeding,  dead,  and 
forsaken  upon  the  cross.  Look  unto  him  again  as  he  noiv  reigns 
in  glory,  possessed  of  all  power  in  heaven  and  in  earth,  with 
thousands  and  thousands  of  saints  and  angels  worshipping  before 
him,  and  ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand  ministering  unto  him  ; 
and  then  compare  your  sins  with  his  blood,  your  wants  with  his 
fulness,  your  unbelief  with  his  faithfulness,  your  weakness  with 
his  strength,  your  inconstancy  with  his  everlasting  love.  If  the 
Lord  opens  the  eyes  of  your  understanding,  you  would  be  aston- 
ished at  the  comparison.  Would  you  compare  a  small  grain  of 
sand  upon  the  shore  with  the  massy  mountains  which  hide  their 
heads  in  the  clouds,  and  spread  their  roots  from  sea  to  sea  ?  or 
the  spark  of  a  glow-worm  with  the  noon-day  sun  ?  yet  there  is 
less  disproportion  between  these  than  between  the  utmost  capacity 
of  your  desires  and  wants,  and  the  iinmense  resources  provided 
for  you,  in  the  righteousness,  compassion,  and  power  of  our  dear 
Redeemer.  '  He  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  ;'§  and  all  our 
trouble  arises  chiefiy  from  this,  that  our  eyes  are  holden,  so  that 
we  do  not  know  him.||  Therefore  the  first  step  towards  opemng 
the  lips  is  to  open  our  eyes,  that  we  may  see  him,  and  look  upon 
him  by  such  a  sight  as  unloosed  the  tongue  of  unbelieving 
Thomas,  and  constrained  him  to  cry  out,  '  My  Lord,  and  my 

God  !'ir 

2.  When  the  eyes  are  thus  opened,  the  Lord,  in  the  next  place, 
and  by  that  as  a  means,  opens  the  ear.  When  Christ  is  out  of 
sight,  we  are  deaf  to  all  the  calls,  invitations,  and  promises  of  the 

*  Gen.  xxi.  15—19.  f  Rom.  x.  6—8.  I  2  Kings  vi.  17. 

^  Heb.  vii.  25.  ||  Luke  xxiv.  IG.  'f  John  xx.  £8. 


222  CiUlLT    REMOVED,  [Sci'.    ]  9. 

Scripture.  But  a  believing  view  of  him  who  died  tliat  we  might 
live,  rouses  the  attention,  and  makes  us  willing  and  able  to  hear 
what  the  Lord  will  speak*  to  his  people.  And  what  does  he  say 
from  the  cross  ?  '  Look  unto  me,  and  be  ye  saved.  If  I  be  lifted 
up,  I  will  draw  all  men  to  me.  Behold  my  hands,  my  feet,  my 
pieixed  side  ;  all  this  1  bore  for  3  ou.     Be  not  afraid,  only  believe. 

0  thou  of  little  faith,  wherefore  dost  thou  doubt  ?  See,  sinner, 
how  I  have  loved  thee.  I  have  trodden  the  wine-press  alone.  I 
have  destroyed  death,  and  him  that  had  the  power  of  death. 
There  is  henceforth  no  condemnation  to  them  that  believe  in  me.'f 
And  what  does  he  say  from  his  kingdom  ?  '  I  have  prayed  for  thee 
that  thy  laith  fail  not.  For  a  season  you  have  sorrow  ;  but  I 
will  see  you  again,  and  your  heart  shall  rejoice.  Him  that  com- 
eth  to  me,  1  will  in  nowise  cast  out.  I  am  the  first  and  the  last — 
that  was  dead  and  am  alive.  I  keep  the  keys  of  death  ajid  hell, 
and  save  whom  I  will.  Cast  thy  burden  upon  me,  1  will  sustain 
thee.  I  will  take  away  thy  iniquity.  Be  of  good  cheer,  thy  sins 
are  forgiven  thee.  Go  in  peace,  and  sin  no  more. 'J  My  Saviour, 
my  God,  what  words  are  these  ! 

3.  By  opening  the  eye  to  see  his  excellence  and  power,  and 
the  ear  to  hear  his  gracious  words,  he  in  the  next  place  opens  the 
heart.  He  breaks  the  prison-doors,  forces  for  himself  an  entrance, 
and  sets  the  prisoner  at  liberty.  He  touches  the  rock,  and  the 
waters  flow.<^  Now  a  true  and  filial  repentance  takes  place;  now 
sin  appears  exceedingly  sinful  indeed.  There  was  a  sorrow  be- 
fore, but  it  was  fruitless  and  ineffectual  ;  but  the  sight  of  him  who 
was  pierced  for  our  sins,  and  the  welcome  sound  of  pardon  pro- 
claimed in  the  conscience,  produce  a  sorrow  after  a  godly  sort,  a 
repentance  never  to  be  repented  of.  Thus  it  was  with  the  woman 
who  washed  our  Lord's  feet  ;||  she  had  been  a  great  sinner,  much 
was  forgiven  her,  and  therefore  she  loved  much.  Thus  it  was 
with  Peter  :  he  had  been  a  grievious  backslider  ;  he  had  been 
with  Jesus  upon  the  mount,  and  saw  the  excellent  glory  ;  he  was 
stout  in  his  protestation,  '  Though  all  men  deny  thee,  yet  will  not 

1  :'  but  he  shrunk  at  the  voice  of  a  girl,  and  said, '  I  know  not 
the  man.'  When  the  servants  spoke  to  him,  he  cursed  and  swore  ; 
but  when  Jesus  looked  upon  him,  hewept.lT  Do  you  think  our 
Lord  looked  upon  him  with  disdain  and  indignation  .'^  rather  with 
a  look  of  love  ;  a  look  that  at  once  convinced  him  of  his  sin,  and 

*  Psal.  Ixxxv.  8. 

t  Isa.  xlv.  22.  John  xii.  22.  John  xx.  27.  Mark  v.  S6.  MaU.  xiv.  31. 
Isa.  Ixiii.  3.     Ileb.  ii.  14.     Rom.  viii.  1. 

t  l>uke  xxii.  32.  John  xvi.  22.  John  vi.  37.  Rev.  i.  17,  1 8.  Psal.  Iv.  22. 
,Mic;ih  vii.  1  9.     Matt.  ix.  2.     John  viii.  11. 

h  Psal.  Ixxviii.  20.  ||  Luke  vii.  38—47.  *  Luke  xxii.  61,  62. 


Ser.    19.}  AND    PEACE    RESTORED.  22^5 

gave  him  to  understand  that  the  Lord  pitied  and  forgave  him. 
This  look  broke  his  heart  in  pieces.  He  went  out  and  wept  bit- 
terly. And  afterwards,  though  greatly  humbled  as  to  a  confi- 
dence in  himself,  yet,  when  asked  the  question,  he  could  boldly 
appeal  to  the  searcher  of  hearts,  '  Lord,  thou  knowest  all  things, 
thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee.'* 

And  when  the  eyes,  the  ears,  the  heart,  are  thus  opened  ;  when 
the  understanding  is  enlightened,  the  will  engaged,  and  the  afiec- 
tions  inflamed,  the  cure  is  wrought.  Then  the  lips  will  open  of 
course,  and  the  mouth  be  filled  with  thanksgiving  and  praise.  O 
that  it  would  please  the  Lord  to  give  to  me,  and  to  each  of  you, 
a  clearer  knowledge  of  this  blessed  change  from  heart-felt  expe- 
rience, than  is  in  the  power  of  words  (of  my  poor  words  especial- 
ly) to  describe  !  '  Come,'  my  friends,  '  Let  us  return  unto  the 
Lord  :  for  he  hath  wounded,  and  he  will  heal  us  :  he  hath  smit- 
ten, and  he  will  bind  us  up.'f  Verily  we  are  all  guilty  in  this 
matter ;  we  have  all  provoked  him  by  unbelief,  and  wandering 
from  his  good  way  ;  and  therefore  we  live  so  far  below  our 
privileges,  and  are  so  often  heavy  and  sorrowful,  when  we  have 
in  him  grounds  of  continual  joy.  Now  let  us  unite  in  this 
prayer,  '  O  Lord,  open  thou  our  lips,  display  thy  power  in 
the  midst  of  us,  heal  all  our  breaches,  rend  the  veil  of  our 
unbelief,  blot  out  the  thick  clouds  of  our  sins,  cleanse  us  from 
all  our  iniquities  and  idols,  and  teach  our  stammering  tongues 
and  barren  hearts  to  show  forth  the  praise  of  thy  abundant 
goodness.' 

I  proceed  to  observe,  in  the  last  place, 

IV.  That  if  the  Lord  is  pleased  to  answer  our  desire,  and  to 
open  your  lips  in  this  manner,  then  you  will  surely  praise  him. 
You  will  praise  him  with  your  mouths,  and  in  your  lives  ;  yoii 
will  thankfully  acknowledge  his  mercy,  his  power,  and  his 
wisdom. 

1.  You  will  praise  his  mercy.  Is  the  cooling  stream  welcome 
to  the  thirsty  soul  ?  Is  a  reprieve  acceptable  to  a  poor  condemned 
malefactor  ?  Still  more  welcome  is  a  sense  of  pardoning  love  to 
a  soul  that  has  felt  the  evil  and  eflects  of  sin.  What,  to  be  taken 
from  the  dunghill, |  and  made  a  companion  with  princes  !  to  have 
all  our  guilt  and  complaints  removed  at  once  !  to  be  snatched  as 
it  were  from  the  brink  of  hell,  and  placed  in  the  very  suburbs  of 
heaven  !  to  be  able  to  say,  '  O  Lord,  thou  wast  [Justly]  angry 
with  me,  [and  1  went  mourning  under  a  sense  of  ihy  dipleasure;] 
but  [now]  thine  anger  is  turned  away,  and  thou  comfortedst 
me.'§     Is  not  this  a  mercy  f  especially  considering  how  unde- 

*  John  xxi.  17.  |  Hosea  vi.  1 .  t  I  Sam.  ii.  G.  ^  Isa.  xii,  1. 


|K4  GUILT  REMOVED,  [Ser.  19. 

serving  we  are  of  the  smallest  favour !  And  further,  the  way  in 
which  it  was  conveyed  !  that  the  pardon,  though  free  to  ns,  is  a 
pardon  '  bought  with  blood  :'  that  it  cost  the  Lord  Jesus  his  life, 
his  soul,  to  effect  that  blessed  reconciliation  in  which  we  are  be- 
ginning to  rejoice!  Still  more,  that  all  we  can  now  receive  of 
his  love  is  but  a  taste,  a  small  thing,  in  comparison  of  what  he  has 
reserved  for  us  !  O  what  mercy  is  here  !  O  what  thanks  does  it 
call  for  !  '  O  Lord,  open  thou  our  lips,  and  our  mouth  shall  show 
forth  thy  praise.' 

2.  You  will  praise  his  power.  I  thought,  says  the  poor  soul  at 
such  a  time,  I  was  fallen  so  low  that  there  was  no  help.  The 
more  I  toiled  and  laboured  in  my  own  strength,  the  further  the 
blessing  seemed  from  me.  I  know,  by  experience,  that  none  but 
an  almighty  arm  could  relieve  me.  Creatures,  means,  and  con- 
trivances, I  had  tried  and  tried  again,  but  found  them  all  physi- 
cians of  no  value.  But  now,  '  the  right  hand  of  the  Lord  has 
done  wonderfully,  the  right  hand  of  the  Lord  has  brought  mighty 
things  to  pass.'*  '  What  shall  T  say  ?  he  hath  both  spoken  him- 
self, and  also  hath  done  it.'f  The  work  is  his ;  to  him  be  all  the 
glory.  I  got  not  this  victory  by  my  own  bow,|  neither  did  my 
own  arm  save  me ;  '  but  the  Lord  himself  has  been  pleased  to 
show  the  exceeding  greatness^  of  his  mighty  power  in  my  behalf.' 
Therefore, '  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy  name,  O  Lord,  be  the  glory 
and  the  praise. '|| 

3.  You  will  praise  his  wisdom.  '  What  I  do,'  said  our  Lard  to 
Peter,  '  thou  knowest  not  now,  but  thou  shalt  know  hereafter.'IT 
The  mourning  soul  often  asks  the  question  with  David,  '  I  wilf 
say  unto  God,  my  rock,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  f  Why  go  J 
mourning  because  of  the  enemy  ?^*  When  the  Lord  turns  your 
mourning  into  joy,  you  shall  know  why.  You  will  then  see  that 
there  was  a  needff  of  all  these  things.  It  is  to  show  you  what 
is  in  your  hearts,  to  mortify  the  spirit  of  self-righteousness,  '  to 
teach  you,  that  without  him  you  can  do  nothing  ;'J|  to  make  you 
wise  and  experienced  against  Satan's  devices  ;  to  give  you  a  ten- 
der sympathy  and  fellow-feeling  in  the  sufferings  and  infirmities 
of  your  brethren,  and  to  enable  you  to  encourage  and  comfort 
others§§  who  shall  be  hereafter  in  your  case,  by  relating  what  you 
have  seen  and  known  yourself  in  your  various  conflicts  and  striv- 
ings against  sin.  These  are  some  of  the  reasons  why  the  Lord  suf- 
fers his  dear  children  to  groan,  being  burdened,  and  sometimes 
permits  their  enemies  to  gain  a  short  advantage  over  them,  that  he 

*Psal.  cxviii.  15,  IG.  f  Isa.  xxxviii.  15.  t  Psal.  xliv.  (i. 

^Epl..  i.  19.  II  Psal.  cxv,  1.  ^  John  xiii.  7. 

**  Psal.  xlii.  9.  ft  1  Pet.  i.  C.  tf  John  xv.  ;• 

5^^^  2  Cor.  i.  4. 


Ser.  19.]  GUILT  removed,  &:c.  226 

may  humble  and  prove  them,*  in  order  to  do  thenj  good  in  their 
latter  end.  And,  O,  with  what  wisdom  is  all  this  appointed  !  A 
little  of  it  we  may  see  at  present,  but  we  shall  not  have  a  com- 
plete view  till  we  get  safe  home.  Then  to  look  back  upon  the 
way  by  which  he  led  us  through  the  wilderness  will  furnish  matter 
for  eternal  praise. 

Further,  not  only  your  mouths,  but  your  lives  shall  praise  him. 
What  is  the  language  of  a  believing  heart,  when  the  Lord  par- 
dons his  sins,  and  binds  up  his  wounds  i*  It  is  this,  '  Now, 
Lord,  I  am  thine,  thy  vows  are  upon  me,  for  thou  hast  redeem- 
ed me.  O  Lord  God  of  truth.  Shall  1  continue  in  sin,  because 
grace  has  abounded  ^  God  forbid  !  I  am  crucified  with  Christ, 
crucified  to  the  world,  and  the  world  to  me.  The  love  of  Christ 
constrains  me.  The  time  past  is  sufficient  to  have  lived  in 
vanity  ;  henceforth  I  am  the  Lord's.  He  has  bound  me  by 
his  tender  mercies,  to  present  myself,  body  and  soul,  to  his 
service.  Here,  O  Lord,  1  offer  my  whole  self,  all  that  I  am, 
and  all  that  I  have,  a  living  sacrifice,  holy  and  acceptable  to  thee. 

0  let  me  never,  never  wander  from  thee  again,  but  walk  in  the 
light,  as  thou  art  in  the  light,  and  have  communion  with  thee  here 
below,  till  thou  shalt  remove  me  out  of  the  reach  of  sin  and  sor- 
row for  ever.'f 

If  there  are  any  here  who  have  neither  known  the  loving-kind- 
ness of  the  Lord,  nor  mourned  under  the  sense  of  his  displeasure. 

1  am  sure  }'our  lips  are  closed  to  this  hour.  And  should  you  die 
thus  incapable  of  praising  the  God  who  made  you,  and  the  grace 
which  has  brought  the  sound  of  the  Gospel  to  your  ears,  it  were 
better  for  you  that  you  had  never  been  born.  J  You  have  much 
reason  to  cry  out,  '  O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips.'  Open  my  eyes 
to  see  my  danger,  to  see  the  evil  of  my  nature  and  life.  Open 
my  lips  to  confess  my  wickedness.  Open  my  heart  to  receive  thy 
word,  that  I  likewise  may  bear  a  part  in  the  praises  thy  people 
pay  thee,  and  not  perish  (as  without  thy  mercy  I  must  do)  with  a 
lie  in  my  right  hand.§  Consider,  the  time  is  short  ;||  death  is 
7iear,  and  may  be  sudden.  May  the  Lord  enable  you  to  consider 
the  things  belonging  to  your  peacelT  before  they  are  hid  from 
your  eyes ! 

And  you,  my  friends,  who  at  present  enjoy  the  light  of  God's 
countenance,  who  know  your  sins  are  forgiven**  for  his  name's 
sake,  and  have  a  happy  freedom  of  access  at  the  throne  of  grace, 

*  Deut.  viii.  2—16. 

f  Psalin  cwi.  14.  16.  and  xxxi.  5.      Rom.  vi.  1.     Gal.  ii.  £0.  and  vi.  14, 
Cor.  V.  14.     1  Peter  iv.  S.     Rom.xii.  1.     iJohifi.  7. 
t  Matt.  xxvi.  24.  ^  Isa.  xliv.  20.  !l  1  Gor.  vii.  29, 

1i  Luke  xix.  42.  -^  1  John  ii.  12. 

Vol.  II.  29 


226  OF    THE    ASSURANCE    OF    FAITH.  [Scr.    20. 

O  be  mindful  of  your  privileges  ;  beware  of  sin,  beware  of  self, 
beware  of  Satan.  Your  enemy  envies  you  your  liberty ;  he 
watches  you  with  subtilty  and  malice  ;  he  spreads  snares  for  your 
feet ;  he  desires  to  have  advantage  of  you,  '  that  he  may  sift  you 
as  wheat.'*  Therefore  be  upon  your  guard,  be  humble,  make 
much  of  secret  prayer,  keep  close  to  the  Scriptures  of  God  ;  by 
the  words  of  his  lips  you  shall  be  preserved  froui  the  paths  of  the 
destroyer. f  Attend  diligently  upon  the  ordinances,  and  speak 
often  onej  to  another,  in  love  and  faithfulness,  of  what  the  Lord 
has  done  and  prepared  for  you,  and  of  what§  manner  of  persons 
you  ougiit  to  be,  in  all  holy  conversation  and  godliness.  Thus 
you  shall  be  kept  safe  from  evil.  Jesus  has  prayed  for  you, 
that  your  faith  may  not  fail.||  Fix  your  eyell  and  your  heart 
upon  him,  as  he  that  must  do  all /or  you,  all  in  you,  all  by  you. 
And  he  has  said,  'Yet  a  little  while,  and  behold,  I  come  quick- 
ly.'** Hold  fast  that  which  thou  hast.  '  Be  thou  faithful  unto 
death,  and  I  will  give  thee  a  crown  of  life.  Amen.  Even  so,  come. 
Lord  Jesus. ' ft 


SERMON  XX. 


OF  THE  ASSURANCE  OF  FAITH, 


1  John  v.  19. 
And  we  know  that  ive  are  of  God. 

A  WELL-GROUNDED  and  abiding  persuasion,  not  only  that  the 
doctrines  of  the  Gospel  are  true  in  themselves,  but  that  we, 
through  grace,  are  surely  and  unchangeably  interested  in  them, 
is  highly  desirable.  If  we  may  be  safe,  we  cannot  be  happy  and 
comfortable  without  it,  when  once  we  have  received  an  experi- 
mental knowledge  of  the  deceitfulncss  of  our  own  hearts,  and 
the  variety,  subtilty,  and  force  of  Satan's  temptations  :  and  He 
who  knows  our  frame  and  situation,  has,  in  his  holy  word,  made 
a  full  provision  for  us  in  this  respect,  and  declared  it  to  be  his 
intention,    that  those  who   flee  for  refuge  to  the  hope  he  has  set 

*Luke  xxii.  SI.  f  Psalm  xvii.  4.  JMal.  iii.  16. 

^  £Pet.  iii.  11.  ||  Luke  xxii.  S2.  liHcb.  xii.2. 

**  Rev.  ill.  11.  ft  Rev.  ii.  10.  xxii.  20. 


Ser.  20.]  of  the  assurance  of  faith.  227 

before  them,  might  have  strong  consolation  :*  not  be  left  at  an 
uncertainty  in  a  concern  of  the  highest  importance,  but  be  rooted, 
grounded,  established,  and  settled  in  the  knowledge  of  his  love, 
and  be  enabled  to  maintain  it  as  an  unshaken  principle,  through 
every  change  of  dispensation  and  frame,  '  that  he  who  hath  be- 
gun a  good  work  in  them  will  perform  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus 
Christ.'t 

This  animating  confidence,  so  well  suited,  and  so  necessary,  to 
render  the  soul  superior  to  all  the  trials  of  life,  to  inspire  a  noble- 
disdain  of  the  sinful  pleasures  and  vain  pursuits  of  the  j>resent 
evil  world,  and  to  engage  the  grateful  exertion  of  every  faculty 
and  power  in  the  service  of  God,  is  generally  expressed  by  the 
word  Assurance.  But  though  the  word  is  in  frequent  use,  the 
thing  itself  has  been,  and  still  is,  a  subject  of  much  dispute  and 
controversy  amongst  professors  of  the  Gospel.  Many,  not  being 
conscious  of  such  a  cheerincr  persuasion  in  themselves,  and  too 
hasty  in  supposing  their  attainments  must  be  a  standard  to  others, 
have  ventured  to  deny  the  possibility  of  such  an  assurance,  and 
treated  every  claim  to  it  as  visionary  and  enthusiastic.  On  the 
other  hand,  some  have  maintained  the  opposite  extreme,  and  held 
assurance  so  essential  to  faith,  that  without  it  no  person  has  a 
Scriptual  warrant  even  to  hope  that  a  work  of  grace  is  begun  in 
his  heart.  This  sentiment,  especially  when  asserted  by  persons 
of  undoubted  character  for  gifts,  graces,  and  usefulness,  has  great- 
ly startled  and  discouraged  weak  and  feeble-minded  souls,  and 
been  too  often  an  occasion  of  adding  to  the  distress  of  those  who 
rather  ought  to  have  been  comforted. 

Great  differences  of  judgment  have  likewise  obtained  concern- 
ing the  means  whereby,  the  manner  in  which,  and  the  persons  to 
whom,  this  assurance  is  communicated,  supposing  it  attainable. 
It  is  not  needful  to  insist  on  particulars.  Perhaps  the  best  way  to 
prevent  or  remove  mistakes,  is  to  propose  the  truth  simply  ; 
which  so  far  as  it  takes  place,  will  necessarily  prevent  the  enter- 
tainment of  error.  I  only  mention  in  general,  that  there  is  a 
variety  of  sentiments  on  this  point,  and  the  most  of  them  sup- 
ported by  respectable  names,  in  order  to  caution  you  against 
paying  too  great  a  deference  to  human  authority,  and  to  urge 
you  to  praise  God  for  your  Bibles,  and  to  be  diligent  in  the  pe- 
rusal of  them.  If  you  search  the  Scriptures,  and  pray  for  the 
Spirit,  you  may  arrive  to  a  clear  satisfaction  for  yourselves,  no 
less  than  if  all  the  learned  were  of  one  mind,  and  all  of  your 
side. 

*Heb.  vi.l8.  \'P\iA.\.ii. 


228  OF    THE    ASiSURANCE    OF    FAITH.  [Sei*.    20. 

My  text  assures  us,  that  this  assurance  was  jDossessed  in  the 
first  ages  of  the  church.  There  were  some  who  could  sa3%  with- 
out hesitation,  '  We  know  that  we  are  of  God  ;'  and  though  they 
are  an  apostle's  words,  he  uses  them  not  exclusively  as  an  apostle, 
but  generally  as  a  believer.  The  greatest  part  of  the  chapter, 
and  indeed  of  the  epistle,  shows  that  he  considers  those  to  whoui 
he  was  writing  as  partakers  with  him  in  the  common  privileges 
of  Christians.  So,  likewise,  St.  Paul  joins  the  believing  Corin- 
thians with  himself,  when  he  says,  '  We  know  that  if  our  earthly 
house  of  this  tabernacle  were  dissolved,  we  have  a  building  of 
God,  an  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.'* 
And  elsewhere  he  takes  it  for  granted,  that  they  (some  of  them 
at  least)  had  this  assurance,  and  presses  them  to  a  lively  dis- 
charge of  duty  upon  that  consideration  :  '  Forasmuch  as  ye  know 
that  your  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord.'f 

And  we  need  make  no  scruple  of  affirming,  from  the  fullest 
evidence,  that  this  precious  privilege  was  not  confined,  or  de- 
signed by  God  to  be  so,  to  the  first  ages  of  the  Gospel.  There 
have  been,  in  all  periods  of  the  church,  where  the  word  and  ordi- 
nances of  Christ  have  been  faithfully  administered,  many  who 
could  say,  '  We  know  that  we  are  of  God  :'  and  we  trust  there 
are  more  than  a  few  who  can  say  so,  and  give  a  solid  Scriptural 
evidence  of  the  hope  that  is  in  them,  even  in  this  degenerate  day. 
But  because  arguments  from  facts,  which  must  depend  upon  per- 
sons' testimony  in  their  own  cases,  are  not  allowed  to  be  fully 
conclusive  ;  and  because  the  greater  part  of  those  who,  we  hope, 
sincerely  love  the  Lord  Jesus,  live  far  below  their  just  right  and 
privilege,  and  are  perplexed  with  doubts  and  fears  which  dishon- 
our their  profession,  weaken  their  hands,  and  make  their  lives 
uncomfortable ;  I  shall  endeavour  at  this  timie  to  state  and  ex- 
plain the  nature  of  assurance,  to  prove  that  it  is  attainable,  to 
point  out  the  means  by  which  we  are  to  expect  it,  and  to  take 
notice  of  the  hindrances  which  keep  so  many  who  are  interested 
in  the  Gospel-salvation  from  enjoying  their  privilege,  and  make 
them  unwilling  or  afraid  to  say,  '  We  know  that  we  are  of  God.' 
What  I  have  to  ofler  on  these  particulars  will  occur  under  one  or 
other  of  the  following  propositions. 

I.  Assurance  is  not  essential  to  the  being  of  faith.  It  is  a 
strong  faith  ;  but  we  read  likewise  of  a  weak  faith,  little  faith, 
faith  like  a  grain  of  mustard  seed.|  True  saving  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ  is  only  distinguishable  by  its  difl'erent  degrees ;  but  in  ev- 
ery degree,  and  in  every  subject  it  is  universally  of  the  same 
kind,  and  produces  (according  to  its  degree)  the   same  uniform 

*  2  Cor.  V.  1.     f  1  Cor.  xv.  .08.     t  Rom.  xiv.  1.  Matt.  xiv.  31.  and  xvii.  20. 


Ser.  20.]  op  the  assurance  of  faith.  229 

eflects.  It  purifies  the  heart  from  the  love  and  practice  of  sin  ;  it 
works  by  love  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  his  ordinances,  ways, 
and  people  ;*  and  it  enables  the  professor  to  overcome  the  world, 
to  stand  fast  against  its  frowns,  and  to  resist  the  more  pleasing, 
but  not  less  dangerous  influence  of  its  smiles.  Each  of  these  ef- 
fects is  beyoud  the  power,  and  contrary  to  the  inclination,  of  the 
natural  man,  '  No  man  can  say  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  Lord,'f 
that  is,  can  give  him  the  honour  due  to  his  name,  renounce  every 
other  hope  of  salvation,  '  and  count  all  things  but  loss  and  dung 
that  he  may  win  Christ,  but  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  Yet  thus  far 
many  have  undoubtedly  attained,  who  have  not  assurance ;  but 
while  they  give  suflicient  evidence  by  their  conduct  that  they 
have  received  precious  faith  in  their  hearts,  they  go  mourning  all 
the  day  long,  and  almost  pass  sentence  against  themselves  as.  un- 
believers. Now,  what  these  mourners  want,  in  order  to  their  es- 
tablishment and  assurance,  is  not  some  new  principle  which  they 
have  not  yet  received,  but  only  a  stronger  degree  of  that  faith 
which  they  already  possess.  Some  good  writers  speak  of  faith  of 
reliance,  faith  of  adherence,  faith  of  assurance,  direct  and  reflex 
acts  of  faith,  &ic.  but  these  are  not  Scriptural  modes  of  expres- 
sion, nor  do  they  appear  to  me  to  throw  light  upon  the  subject, 
but  rather  to  increase  the  perplexity  of  plain  people,  who  are  apt 
to  imagine  these  are  so  many  difltrent  kinds  of  faith.  The 
Scripture  mentions  only  two  kinds,  '  a  living  and  a  dead  faith, 'J 
The  true  faith  is  faint  and  weak  in  its  beginnings,  like  the  life  of 
a  new-born  infant ;  but  it  is  growing  up  to  maturity,  and  shall 
increase  with  the  increase  of  (jod,  '  unto  a  perfect  man,  unto  the 
measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fulness  of  Christ.'§  From  hence 
it  follows, 

II.  The  grounds  and  principles  of  faith,  and  assurance  are  ex- 
actly the  same.  The  first  and  lowest  act  of  saving  faith  necessa- 
rily includes  three  things. 

1.  An  apprehension  of  the  sufiiciency  and  authority  of  Christ 
to  save.  Men  that  live  in  their  sins  will  rest  upon  a  slender 
hope ;  but  a  conscience  truly  awakened  must  have  sure  grounds 
to  go  upon,  and,  without  tlio  discovery  of  such  a  Savioin-  as  is 
revealed  in  the  Gospel,  would  sink  into  despair.  It  is  afraid  of 
being  deceived,  and  is  so  far  enlightened  that  it  cannot  be  easily 
imposed  upon;  a  sense  of  the  sinfulness  of  sin,  an  impression  of 
the  majesty  of  God,  will  not  suffer  it  to  rest  in  any  thing  short  of 
a  perfect  atonement  and  a  perfect  righteousness.  Rut  when  the 
eyes  of  the  mind  are  opened,  and  Jesus  is  seen  as  revealed  by  the 

*  Acts  XV.  9.       Gal.   v,  6.       1  Jolui  v.  4.  t  1  Cor.  xii.  ri.      Pl)il.  iii.  C. 

t  James  ii.l7.      <>  Ephes.  iv.  13. 


230  OF    THE    ASSURANCE    Oi'    FAITH.  [Sci*.    20, 

word  and  Spirit  of  God,  all  scruples  of  this  sort  are  silenced,  and 
the  soul  perceives  and  feels  thai  he  is  fully  equal  to  the  mighty 
undertaking. 

2.  An  application  to  him.  This  of  course  follows  a  persua- 
sion of  his  ability  to  save;  for  who  will  sit  down  and  perish  when 
there  is  a  possibility  of  relief?  There  is,  perhaps,  a  great  ques- 
tioning of  Christ's  willingness ;  but  still,  since  tliere  is  a  perad- 
venture,  a  sense  of  distress  on  the  one  hand,  and  a  view  of  his 
power  and  grace  on  the  other,  will  extort  a  cry,  '  Lord  save 
me  or  I  perish.'* 

3.  From  hence  there  arises  a  hope  in  his  mercy,  which  is  faint- 
er or  stronger,  according  to  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  is  more  or 
less  distinct,  and  the  surrender  unto  him  more  or  less  simple  and 
unreserved  ;  and  therefore,  in  general,  it  is  very  faint  at  first ; 
for  the  knowledge  of  Christ  in  a  measure  depends  upon  our 
knowledge  of  the  Scriptures,  which  testify  of  him,  and  on  the 
proofs  we  have  had  of  his  wisdom,  grace,  and  love  to  ourselves; 
but  the  young  convert,  in  whom  the  seed  of  faith  is  but  lately 
sown,  has  but  little  acquaintance  with  tiie  word  :  for  he  has  but 
just  begun  to  know  the  value  of  it ;  and  he  has  but  little  expe- 
rience ;  though  his  eyes  are  opened,  his  sight  is  not  yet  confirm- 
ed, nor  his  spiritual  senses  exercised. 

Further,  Though  he  Is  sincerely  convinced  of  his  need  of  u 
Saviour,  there  is  still  much  of  a  legal  bias,  and  a  principle  of 
self-righteousness  in  his  heart,  v^hich,  so  far  from  being  remov- 
ed, is  not  yet  discovered  to  himself;  and  while  he  thinks  he 
looks  to  Christ  alone,  he  is  looking  in  himself  for  qualifications 
to  recommend  him,  and  afraid  to  draw  near  with  confidence,  be- 
cause he  cannot  find  them.  These  things  discourage  his  hopes, 
and  demonstrate  his  faith  to  be  but  weak. 

But  the  strongest  and  most  lively  assurance  that  we  can  con- 
ceive attainable  in  the  present  life,  is  wrought  and  maintained 
by  the  very  same  principles  which  have  so  faint  an  influence  in 
the  infancy  of  faith.  Let  us  hear  the  great  champion  St.  Paul, 
in  the  close  of  an  exemplary  laborious  life,  giving  an  account  to 
a  dear  and  intimate  friend  of  the  hope  that  was  in  him.  He 
had  been  honoured  and  distinguished  for  grace,  gifts,  and  use- 
fulness, in  a  peculiar  manner  ;  he  had  laboured  more  abundant- 
ly than  all  the  apostles ;  he  had  fully  preached  the  Gospel,  and 
gathered  churches  throughout  a  very  large  part  of  the  Roman 
empire  ;f  his  first  call  was  extraordinary,  by  the  Lord's  appear- 
ing to  him  in  glory  ;  and  some  of  his  succeeding  experiences  had 
been  no  less  singular,  for  he  had  been  caught  up   into   the  third 

"■•  Matt.  viii.  £5.  and  xiv.  SO.  +  1  Cor.  xv.  1 0.     Rom.  xv.  19. 


Ser.  20.]  of  the  assurance  of  faith.  231 

heavens  ;*  finally,  his  sufferuig  for  the  Gospel  had  been  as  great 
and  remarkable  as  his  services.  But  when  he  expresses  his  as- 
surance of  support  and  salvation,  he  says  not  a  syllable  of  these 
things,  but  rests  the  whole  upon  such  points  as  are  common  to  him 
with  all  believers  ;  '  I  know  in  whom  I  have  believed,  and  I  am 
persuaded  that  he  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  committed 
unto  him  against  that  day.'f  We  see  there  St.  Paul's  assurance 
was  founded  on,  first,  A  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  object  of 
his  faith  ;  secondly,  A  consciousness  of  transactions  which  liad 
passed  between  him  and  his  Saviour  ;  he  had  committed  some- 
thing to  him,  that  was,  his  soul,  with  all  its  interests  ;  thirdl}-, 
A  persuasion  of  his  ability,  willingness,  and  faithfulness,  to  se- 
cure and  preserve  what  he  had  taken  charge  of.  And  these  are 
the  very  same  principles  which  are  necessary  to  the  first  act  of 
weak  faith,  only  here  they  exert  themselves  with  their  proper 
power  and  efficacy.     From  hence, 

III.  Assurance  is  equally  open  to  all  believers.  It  is  not  the 
exclusive  privilege  of  great  services  or  sufferings  :  it  is  not  confi- 
ned to  ministers,  martyrs,  or  apostles  ;  but  it  is  a  prize  set  before 
all  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity,  being  no  other 
than  the  growth  and  establishment  of  that  faith  which  they  have 
already  received.  The  reason  why  all  who  believe  are  not  hap- 
py in  this  assurance  of  hope,  are  to  be  sought,  not  in  the  will  of 
God,  who  has  made  abundant  provision  for  our  comfort,  but 
in  the  perverseness,  ignorance,  and  misapprehensions  of  our 
own  hearts,  and  from  inattention  to  his  revealed  word.  We  are 
not  straitened  in  him,  but  in  ourselves.  It  is  not  easy  to  enumer- 
ate the  many  ways  in  which  our  depravity  works  to  keep  this 
good  thing  from  us.     A  few  of  the  principal  are  these, 

1.  Insincerity.  Where  grace  is  really  implanted  by  the  Holy 
Spirit,  it  will  surely  prevail  at  length,  and  subdue  the  whole  soul 
to  the  obedience  of  faith.  But  in  too  many  there  is  for  along 
time  not  only  great  opposition  from  indwelling  corruption,  but  a 
secret  cleaving  of  the  will  to  evil.  A  double-mindedness,J  a 
kind  of  halting  between  two  opinions  ;  so  that  while  the  desire 
and  prayer  of  the  soul  seems  expressed  against  all  sin  universally, 
there  is  still  an  allowed  reserve  of  something  inconsistent  with 
light  received.  An  habitual  indulgence  of  known  or  suspected 
evil,  or  an  habitual  neglect  of  any  known  duty,  will  certainly 
prevent  the  growth  of  grace  and  consolation.  For  the  Lord 
claims  (what  is  his  just  due)  the  whole  heart,  and  will  not  afibrd 
the  strengthening  light  of  his  countenance  while  any  idol  is  dc- 

*  £  Cor.  xii.  2.      f  2  Tira.  i.  1-2.      J  James  i.  8.    1  Kings  xviii.  21.     Prov. 
xxiii.  26.     Psalm  is.  1. 


232  OF    THE    ASSURANCE    OF    FAITH.  [Scr.  20. 

liberately  set  up  in  his  presence.  '  Then,'  says  David,  (and  not 
till  then,)  '  shall  1  not  be  ashamed,  when  I  have  respect  unto  all 
thy  commandments.'  And  our  Lord  Jesus,  when  asked,  '  How 
wilt  thou  manifest  thyself  unto  us  ?'  answered,  '  if  a  man  love 
me,  he  will  keep  my  words,  and  my  Father  will  love  him,  and  we 
will  come  unto  him,  and  make  our  abode  with  him.'*  Till  the 
pride  and  naughtiness  of  our  spirits  are  conquered,  and  we  are 
made  willing  to  give  up  all,  to  renounce  whatever  is  contrary  to 
his  precepts,  though  pleasing  as  a  right  eye,  and  seemingly  neces- 
sary as  the  right  iiand,  it  is  in  vain  to  expect  a  full  and  abiding 
assurance  of  his  love. 

2.  Indolence.  With  respect  to  this  valuable  blessing,  it  may 
be  often  said,  '  Ye  receive  not,  because  ye  ask  not.'f  It  is  too 
common  for  those  who  were  earnest  in  crying  for  mercy,  while 
they  thought  themselves  under  the  curse  and  power  of  the  law,  to 
grow  slack  and  remiss  in  prayer  soon  after  they  obtain  some  hope 
of  salvation  from  the  Gospel ;  and  particularly  they  do  not  '  give 
all  diligence  to  make  their  calling  and  election  sure, 'J  in  the  care- 
ful use  of  every  means  appointed  for  their  establishment  in  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  Therefore  that  word  is  fulfilled  in  them, 
'  The  slothful  soul  desireth  and  hath  nothing. '§  They  go  on  for 
months  or  years  in  a  complaining,  unsettled  state  ;  and  deserved- 
ly, because  they  are  not  earnest  in  seeking,  asking,  waiting, 
knocking  at  the  gate  of  wisdom,  and  at  the  throne  of  grace,  for 
that  blessing  which  the  Lord  has  promised  to  those  who  persevere 
in  wrestling  prayer,  and  will  take  no  denial. 

3.  Misapprehensions.  These  arise  from  a  neglect  of  examin- 
ing the  Scriptures,  and  an  undue  deference  to  the  decisions  ol" 
men.  If  assurance  is  supposed  unattainable,  it  will  consequentl\ 
not  be  sought  after.  If  it  is  expected  as  an  instantaneous  im- 
pression of  the  Spirit  of  God  upon  the  mind,  independent  of  hi> 
word,  or  to  arise  from  some  sudden  powerful  apolication  of  a 
particular  text  of  Scripture,  this  persuasion  will  end  in  disappoint- 
ment. For  though  it  must  be  allowed  that  the  Lord  does  at 
times  favour  his  people  with  peculiar  manifestations  of  his  good- 
ness, and  perhaps,  seal  some  promise  especially  suited  to  their 
present  circumstances,  with  a  remarkable  sweetness  and  evidence 
upon  their  minds ;  yet  these  do  rarely  produce  the  assurance  we 
are  speaking  of.  These  are  but  visits,  seldom  vouchsafed,  and 
quickly  suspended  ;  and  those  who  depend  chiefly  upon  such  itn- 
pressions,  instead  of  endeavouring  to  grow  in  the  Scriptural 
knowledge  of  Christ,  are  generally  as  changeable  in  their  hopes 
as   in   their   frame.      While   their   ati'ections  are   thus   engaged, 

*  Psalm  cxix.  6.      Jolin  xiv.  22,  25.  f  Jamesiv.  2 

t  2 Pet.  i.  10.  'c>  Piov.  xiii.  4. 


Ser.  20.]  of  the  assurance  of  faith.  233 

'  their  mountain  stands  strong,  and  they  think  they  shall  never  be 
moved;'*  but  when  the  cause  is  withdrawn,  the  eflect  ceases,  and 
they  presently  relapse  into  their  former  fears  and  inquietudes. 
Not  to  say,  that  expectations  of  this  sort  have  a  tendencv  to  ejreat 
inconveniences,  and  often  open  a  door  to  the  delusions  of  enthu- 
siasm and  dangerous  impositions ;  for  Satan,  when  permitted, 
knows  how  to  transform  himself  into  an  angel  of  light. f  If  in- 
herent sanctificatlon,  or  a  considerable  increase  of  it,  is  consid- 
ered as  the*  proper  ground  of  assurance,  those  who  are  most  hum- 
ble, sincere,  and  desirous  of  being  conformed  to  the  will  of  God, 
will  be  the  most  perplexed  and  discouraged  in  their  search  after 
it.  For  they,  of  all  others,  will  be  the  least  satisfied  with  them- 
selves, and  have  the  quickest  sense  of  the  innumerable  defilements 
and  defects  which  the  Scripture  assures  us  are  inseparable  from 
our  best  tempers  and  best  actions.  These  mistakes,  with  others 
that  might  be  mentioned,  prevent  many  from  seeking  after  assur- 
ance at  all,  and  bewilder  many  more,  by  putting  them  upon  a 
wrong  pursuit .''  But  what  then  is  assurance  ;  and  how  is  it  to  be 
attained  ?  I  shall  attempt  an  answer  to  these  questions  together  in 
the  next  proposition. 

IV.  '  Assurance  is  the  result  of  a  competent  spiritual  knowledge 
of  the  person  and  work  of  Christ  as  revealed  in  the  Gospel,  and 
a  consciousness  of  dependence  on  him  and  his  work  alone  for 
salvation.'  What  I  apprehend  necessary  to  make  my  meaning 
plain,  will  occur  from  a  brief  explanation  of  the  terms  I  have 
made  use  of  in  this  description. 

1.  By  the  term  '  spiritual  knowledge,'  1  would  ascribe  it  to  the 
influence  and  teaching  of  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,  and  distinguish 
it  both  from  that  speculative  knowledge  of  divine  things  which 
natural  men  may  acquire  from  books  and  human  instruction,  and 
likewise  from  that  knowledge  which  a  real  believer  may  attain  in 
the  same  way,  beyond  the  limits  of  his  present  experience. 
Those  who  are  favoured  wldi  great  outward  advantages,  partic- 
ularly the  light  of  a  clear  Gospel-ministry,  may  very  soon  arrive 
to  a  notional  apprehension  of  the  most  important  truths;  but 
with  respect  to  the  spiritual  and  abiding  perception  of  those  truths, 
there  is  no  efiectual  teacher  but  the  Spirit  of  God  :  and  we  often 
find,  that  what  we  think  we  have  learned  of  meji,  we  have  occa- 
sion to  be  taught  again  by  the  Lord  the  Spirit ;  for  our  acquisi- 
tions fail  us  when  we  have  most  need  of  them,  and  will  not  stand 
the  trial  of  an  hour  of  temptation.  But,  so  far  as  we  have  re- 
ceived our  views  of  Jesus,  his  person,  ofiiccs,  mediation,  and 
promises  from  him,  we  possess  them,  and  should  be  able  to  defj 

*  Psalm  XXX.  6,  7.  \  2,  Cox.  xi.  14 

Vol.  II.  *  30 


234  OF  THE  ASSURANCE  OF  FAITH.  [Ser.  20. 

an  angel,  if  he  was  to  propose  to  us  any  other  doctrine  than  that 
which  we  have  surely  known  and  believed.* 

2.  I  use*  the  word  '  competent,'  because  there  is  not,  that  I 
know  of,  any  determinate  standard  where  to  fix.  When  our 
knowledge  is  so  far  increased  as  to  overpower  the  objections  aris- 
ing from  inward  corruptions,  defects  of  obedience,  unbelieving 
fears,  and  the  temptations  of  Satan  ;  when  we  can  cut  them  short 
with  that  question  of  the  apostle,  '  Who  is  he  that  condemneth  ? 
it  is  Christ  that  died,'f  assurance  follows  of  course.  For  I  do 
not  understand  assurance,  in  the  strictest  sense,  for  the  highest 
degree  of  certainty  imaginable.  Assurance  itself  is  capable  of 
increase  ;  and  will  be  so  continually  while  there  is  any  darkness 
in  our  understandings,  or  any  remaining  propensity  to  a  self- 
righteous  spirit.  Then  only  will  our  assurance  be  perfect  when 
we  shall  see  Jesus  as  he  is,  and  be  completely  freed  from  all  our 
infirmities.  For  these,  in  whatever  degree  they  prevail,  will 
so  far  affect  the  strength  and  steadiness  of  our  confidence  in 
God. 

3.  This  knowledge  is  wrought  in  us  by  the  Spirit,  through  the 
medium  of  the  written  word.  He  teaches  no  unrevealed  truths. 
We  are  not  to  expect  that  he  will  assure  us  as  by  a  voice  from 
heaven,  or  by  a  sudden  impulse  upon  our  hearts,  that  our  names 
in  particular  are  written  in  the  book  of  life  ;  but  he  opens  our  un- 
derstandings to  understand  the  Scripture, J  to  assent  to  and  feel 
that  wc  are  such  sinners  as  are  there  described,  to  see  the  dignity 
and  sufficiency  of  Christ  Jesus,  as  God-man,  the  Mediator,  the 
suitableness  of  his  offices,  the  value  of  his  atonement  and  right- 
eousness, and  the  harmon}-  and  glory  of  the  divine  attributes,  in 
the  adorable  methods  of  redeeming  love,  which  renders  it  just, 
righteous,  and  worthy  of  God  to  justify  and  save  the  believing 
sinner. §  He  likewise  gives  us  to  understand  the  freedom  and  se- 
curity of  the  Gospel  promises,  confirmed  by  the  oath  of  God,  and 
sealed  with  the  blood  of  the  Son.  He  shows  us  the  establishment 
and  immutability  of  the  covenant  of  grace;  convinces  us  that 
there  is  a  fulness  of  wisdom,  grace,  life,  and  strength,  treasured 
up  in  Christ,  for  the  use  and  support  of  those  who,  in  themselves, 
are  poor,  miserable,  and  helpless,  and  to  be  freely  communicated 
in  measure  and  season,  as  he  sees  necessary,  to  support,  nourish, 
and  revive  the  believing  soul,  and  to  lead  him  in  the  path  of  per- 
severance to  everlasting  life.  Such  a  discovery  of  almighty 
power  and  unchangeable  love,  engaged  for  the  infallible  salvation 
of  every  believer,  which  they  cannot  lose  by  their  own  unwor- 
thiness,   nor  be  deprived  of  by  all  the  opposition  which  earth  or 

*  Gal.  i.  «.         I  Rom.  yiii.  34.         t  Luke  xxiv.  40.  v.  Rom.  iii.  26. 


i 


Ser.  20.]  ©f  the  assurance  of  faith.  ^335 

hell  can  raise  against  them,*  produces  a  suitable  assurance  in  the 
soul  that  receives  it.  And  we  can  confidently  say,  '  We  know 
we  are  of  God,'  when  we  can  in  this  manner  know  in  whom  we 
have  believed. 

4.  Such  discoveries  of  the  person  and  grace  of  Christ  are  con- 
nected with  a  lieart-felt  consciousness  that  the  believer's  depend- 
ence for  all  the  great  hopes  and  ends  of  salvation  are  fixed  on 
him  and  his  work  alone.  They  draw  forth  acts  of  surrender  and 
trust,  and  keep  the  mind  from  forming  any  vain  scheme  of  hope 
or  refuge,  eitlier  in  whole  or  in  part,  from  any  other  quarter.  In- 
deed, from  the  very  first  dawnings  of  faith,  as  I  have  observed, 
the  soul  is  led  to  commit  itself  into  the  hands  of  Jesus  ;  but 
while  knowledge  was  weak,  and  the  heart  very  imperfectly  hum- 
bled, there  was  a  secret,  though  unallowed  dependence  upon  self, 
upon  resolutions,  frames,  and  duties.  But  as  Jesus  rises  more 
glorious  in  the  eye  of  faith,  self  is,  in  the  same  degree,  depressed 
and  renounced  ;  and  when  we  certainly  see  that  there  is  no  safety 
or  stability  but  in  his  name,  we  as  certainly  feel  that  we  expect 
them  from  him,  and  from  him  only.  And  the  Holy  Spirit  assists 
here  likewise,  bears  a  comfortable  witness  with  our  spirits, f  by 
drawing  us  to  a  throne  of  grace,  pleading  in  us  as  a  spirit  of 
adoption,  and  prompting  us  to  renew  the  renunciation  of  our- 
selves, '  and  to  glory  in  Jesus,  as  made  unto  us,  of  God,  wisdom, 
righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemption,'!  from  day  to  day. 
And  from  hence  arises  a  solid,  permanent  assurance.  The  be- 
liever, though  weak  and  unstable  as  water  in  himself,  and  though 
continually  assaulted  by  a  powerful  combination  against  his  peace, 
can  look  through  all  to  Jesus,  and  say,  'I  am  persuaded  that  neither 
death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things 
present,  nor  things  to  come,  nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other 
creature,  shall  be  able  to  separate  me  from  the  love  of  God,  which 
is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.'§ 

What  reinains,  then,  but  to  animate  and  press  every  sincere  be- 
liever to  strive,  in  God's  appointed  way,  for  a  comfortable  assur- 
ance that  they  are  accepted  in  the  Beloved,  passed  from  death 
unto  life,  and  infallibly  freed  from  all  condemnation.  Though 
this  knowledge  is  not  absolutely  necessary  to  our  safety,  it  is  ex- 
ceeding needful  to  make  us  unwearied,  cheerful  and  evangelical, 
in  a  course  of  holy  obedience,  to  the  exertion  of  all  our  powers 
and  faculties  in  the  service  of  him  who  has  loved  us,  and  washed 
us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood  ;  and  to  give  us  courage  to  en- 
dure and  surmount  the  many  difficulties  and  oppositions  which  we 
are  sure  to  meet  with  in  the  course  of  our  profession.     Unbelief 

*  John  X.  28,  29.     f  Rom.  viii.  15,  IG.      t  1  Cor.  i.  30.     :-  Rom.  viii.  38,  39. 


2oO  OF    THK    ASSUKANCE    OF    fAlTH.  [Scr.  20. 

and  distrust  weaken  oiu-  hands,  and  make  our  knees  feeble.'*  The 
more  steadily  we  confide  in  God,  the  better  we  shall  serve  him ; 
we  shall  be  enabled  to  cast  all  our  cares  upon  him,  to  rely  on  his 
promise  to  make  our  strength  equal  to  our  day;  and  having  a  well- 
grounded  expectation  of  receiving  the  end  of  our  hope,  even  the 
salvation  of  our  souls,  we  shall  stand  fast  in  the  evil  day,  and  say, 
'  None  of  these  things  move  me ;  neither  count  I  my  life  dear,  so 
that  I  may  finish  my  course  with  joy. 'f  I  would  only  subjoin  two 
cautions  to  those  who  are  thus  minded. 

1 .  Remember  that  the  progress  of  faith  to  assurance  is  gradual. 
Expect  it  not  suddenly  ;  but  wait  upon  the  Lord  for  it  in  the 
ways  of  his  appointment.  As  it  depends  upon  the  manifestation 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  let  this  engage  youto  constancy  and  earnest- 
ness in  prayer ;  and  as  it  arises  from  a  knowledge  of  Jesus,  be 
assiduous  in  searching  the  Scriptures,  which  testify  of  him.  '  The 
blessing  of  the  Lord  and  the  hand  of  the  diligent  concur  in  the 
attainment  of  this  benefit. 'J  If  yon  persevere  in  this  path,  yon 
will  be  helped  forward  by  the  experience  of  every  day  ;  and  eve- 
ry dispensation  of  Providence,  as  well  as  every  exercise  and 
frame  of  mind  you  pass  through,  will  be  sanctified,  to  give  you 
an  increasing  conviction  that  you  are  nothing,  and  that  Jesus  is  all 
in  all. 

2.  As  you  cannot  see  or  maintain  a  sight  of  your  interest  in 
the  covenant,  but  by  the  light  of  the  Spirit,  beware  of  grieving 
him.§  If  you  indulge  a  careless,  trifling  disposition,  or  venture 
upon  known  sin,  you  will  find  dark  clouds  raised  between  the  Sun 
of  Righteousness  and  your  souls.  Assurance  is  not  so  invariable 
but  that  it  may  be  aflected,  weakened,  and  perhaps  for  a  season 
quite  suspended,  by  unfaithfulness  and  backsliding  on  our  part. 
If  you  have  a  persuasion  of  your  interest  in  the  love  of  God, 
that  remains  always  the  same,  though  prayer  is  restrained,  the  or- 
dinances slighted,  and  watchfulness  intermitted  ;  take  heed  lest 
this  instead  of  assurance,  should  be  vain  confidence  and  presump- 
tion. The  hope  that  maketh  not  ashamed,  endears  every  pre- 
cept and  ordinance  to  the  soul,  weans  the  aflection  from  low  and 
trivial  pursuits,  and  strengthens  the  exercise  of  every  gracious 
principle. 

As  it*  is  thus  possible  and  desirable  for  a  believer  to  '  know 
that  he  is  of  God ;'  so  a  concern  for  man\-  here  present  will  not 
sufi'er  me  to  close,  without  desiring  you  to  consider  if  you  have 
not  cause  to  coiiclnde,  from  Scripture-testimony,  that  you  are  noi 
of  God.     See  the  case  determined  by  an  apostle  :  '  Whosoever 

*  Heb.  xii.  li.        f  Acts  xx.  24.        J  Prov.  x.  4.  22.  5>  Ephes.  iv.  SO. 


Ser.  20.]  of  the  assurance  of  faith.  237 

cloth  not  righteousness  is  not  of  God.'*  And  again,  by  another,  '  It* 
any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  hls.'f  Are 
not  these  decisions  plain  and  absolute?  If  your  love  and  depend- 
ence are  not  fixed  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  if  your  tempers  and 
practice  are  not  governed  by  his  commands,  you  are  not  of  God. 
Whom  then  do  3'ou  belong  to  ':"  The  whole  world  is  divided  be- 
tween two  masters,  and  ranged  under  opposite  banners.  A  neu- 
trality is  impossible.  If  you  are  not  of  God,  you  belong  at 
present  to  Satan;  you  are  his  captive ;|  he  leads  you  blindfold; 
and  he  meditates  your  destruction,  when  you  shall  have  worn  out 
your  lives  in  his  miserable  service.  And  will  you  continue  fond  of 
your  bondage,  and  follow  him  like  an  ox  to  the  slaughter  r 
There  is  a  redemption-price  paid,  there  is  an  arm  of  power  re- 
vealed, in  favour  of  such  helpless,  perishing  prisoners.  Jesus, 
whom  we  preach,  '  is  able  to  take  the  prey  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
mighty,  and  to  deliver  the  lawful  captive.')  The  Lord  help  you 
to  apply  to  him  before  iniquity  is  your  ruin.  O  may  he  incline 
you  to  believe  and  be  saved  !||  If  you  reject  him,  you  seal  your- 
self to  an  aggravated  condemnation,  and  must  perish  without 
mercy  ;  '  But  if  you  hear  his  voice,  and  call  upon  his  name,  he  is 
able  to  save  to  the  uttermost,  and  to  bless  you,  in  turning  every 
one  of  you  from  your  iniquities. 'IT 

*  1  John  iii.  10.  t  Rom.  viji.  9.  I  2  Tim.  ii.  26. 

Visa.  xlix.  21.  (!  Acts  xvi.  31 .  f  Heb,  vii.  2D.  Acts  iii.  26. 


REVIEW 

OF 

ECCLESIASTICAL.  HISTORY, 

so    FAR    AS    IT    CONCERNS    THE 

■   PROGRESS,  DECLENSION,  AND  REVIVALS 

OF 

EVANGELICAL  DOCTRINE  AND  PRACTICE ; 

WITH 

A  BRIEF  ACCOUNT 

OF    THE 

SPIRIT  AND  METHODS  BY  WHICH  VITAL  AND  EXPERIMENTAL 
RELIGION  HAVE  BEEN  OPPOSED 

IN  ALL  AGES  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


Aliusquc  ct.  Idem 

Naceris 

But  as  tlienhe  that  was  horn  after  the  flesh  persecuted  him  that  was  boni  af- 
ter the  Spirit,  even  so  it  is  now.  Gal.  iv.  2'J. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Though  the  actions  of  mankind  appear  greatly  diversified  from  thti 
influence  of  particular  circumstances,  human  nature  has  been  always  the 
same.  The  history  of  all  ages  and  countries  uniformly  confirms  the 
Scriptural  doctrine,  that  man  is  a  depraved  and  fallen  creature,  and  that 
some  selfish  temper,  ambition,  avarice,  pride,  revenge,  and  the  like,  are, 
in  effect,  the  main  springs  and  motives  of  his  conduct,  unless  so  far,  and 
in  such  instances,  as  they  are  corrected  and  subdued  by  Divine  Grace. 

Therefore,  when  St.  Paul  speaks  of  the  most  dreadful  degree  of  impie- 
ty that  can  be  imagined,  enmity  against  God,  he  does  not  consider  it  as 
the  fault  of  the  particular  time  in  which  he  lived,  or  impute  it  singly 
either  to  the  idolatrous  Heathens  or  the  obstinate  Jews,  but  he  affirms 
universally,  that  the  carnal  mind,  (to  (ppovr)fiLa  ttis  tfapxoff)  the  wisdom, 
the  most  spiritual  and  discerning  faculty  of  man,  is  enmity  against  God. 
Men  differ  considerably  in  capacity,  rank,  education,  and  attainments  ; 
they  jar  in  sentiments  and  interests  ;  they  mutually  revile,  hate,  and  de- 
stroy one  another  ;  but  in  this  point  they  all  agree.  Whether  Greeks  or 
Barbarians,  wise  or  ignorant,  bond  or  free,  the  bent  and  disposition  of 
their  minds,  while  unrenewed  by  grace,  is  black  and  implacable  enmity 
against  the  blessed  God. 

To  those  who  acknowledge  the  authority  of  Scripture,  St.  I*auPs  ex- 
press assertion  should  be  sufficient  proof  of  this  point,  if  we  could  pro- 
duce no  other ;  but,  besides  the  many  other  passages  in  the  book  of  God 
to  the  same  effect,  it  may  be  demonstrated  by  the  most  obvious  proofs, 
experience,  and  matter  of  fact.  The  history  of  the  Old  Testament  from 
the  death  of  Abel,  the  nature  and  grounds  of  the  opposition  which  Jesus 
and  his  apostles  met  with,  and  the  treatment  of  the  most  exemplary 
Christians  that  have  lived  in  succeeding  ages,  are  indisputable  evidences 
of  this  offensive  truth  ;  for  what  can  be  stronger  marks  of  enmity  against 
God,  than  to  despise  his  word,  to  scorn  his  favour,  to  oppose  his  will,  to 
caress  his  enemies,  and  to  insult  and  abuse  his  servants  for  no  other  of- 
fence than  their  attachment  to  his  service  ? 

Vol.  \\.  31 


242  INTRODUCTION. 

But  when,  from  these  premises,  the  apostle  inters,  '  So,  then,  they 
that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please  God,'  though  the  consequence  is  evi- 
dent, it  may  seem  at  first  view  unnecessary  ;  for  can  it  be  supposed  that 
the  carnal  mind,  which  breathes  a  spirit  of  defiance  and  enmity  against 
God,  w.ll  have  any  desire  or  thought  of  pleasing  him  ?  Yet  thus  it  is. 
The  carnal  mind  is  not  only  desperately  wicked,  but  deeply  deceitful ;  it 
deceives  others,  and  often  it  deceives  itself.  As  the  magicians  of  Egypt, 
though  enemies  to  Moses,  attempted  to  counterfeit  his  miracles,  and  as 
Balaam  could  say,  The  Lord  my  God  !  tliough  he  was  wickedly  engaged 
against  the  Lord's  people ;  so  it  has  been  usuaj  with  many  who  have 
hated  and  denied  the  power  of  godliness,  to  value  themselves  highly  upon 
the  form  of  it ;  and,  while  they  are  alienated  from  the  life  of  God,  through 
the  ignorance  that  is  in  them,  they  affect  to  be  thought  his  best  servants, 
and  make  the  most  confident  claims  to  his  favour. 

The  pure  religion  of  Jesus  cannot  but  be  despised  and  rejected  by  the 
carnal  mind  :  '  the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things  of  God,'  they  are 
beyond  his  sphere,  he  does  not  apprehend  them,  and  therefore  cannot  ap- 
prove them  ;  nay,  he  is  averse  and  unwilling  to  meddle  with  them,  and 
therefore  it  is  impossible  he  should  understand  them.  But  the  fiercest 
opposition  arises  from  the  complication  of  presumption  and  hypocrisy  we 
have  spoken  of;  when  men,  destitute  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  from  a  vain 
conceit  of  their  own  wisdom  and  goodness,  arrogate  to  themselves  an  au- 
thoritative decision  in  religious  concerns,  and  would  reduce  the  judgment 
and  practice  of  others  to  their  own  corrupt  standard. 

Such  was  eminently  the  character  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  who, 
with  unwearied  malice,  persecuted  our  Lord  to  the  death  of  the  cross  ; 
and  he  forewarned  his  disciples  to  expect  the  like  treatment ;  he  sent 
then;  forth  as  lambs  in  the  midst  of  wolves,  and  assured  them  that  their 
attachment  to  him  would  draw  on  them  the  hatred  of  mankind,  so  far  as 
even  to  deprive  them  of  the  rights  of  civil  society,  and  the  pleasures  of 
relative  life.  '  A  man's  foes  shall  be  those  of  his  own  household  ;'  his 
parents  shall  ibrget  their  aflection,  his  children  their  duty,  his  servants 
their  reverence,  even  the  wife  of  his  bosom  shall  despise  him,  when  he 
boldly  professes  the  Gospel ;  nay,  the  most  amiable  qualities,  joined  to 
the  most  endearing  connexions,  are  not  sufficient  wholly  to  suppress  the 
enmity  which  fills  the  hearts  of  the  unregenerate  against  those  in  whom 
thi'y  discern  the  image  of  Christ ;  and  that  this  enmity  would  sometimes 
^surae  a  religious  form,  and,  under  that  appearance,   proceed  to  the 


INTRODUCTION.  243 

greatest  extremities,  he  informed  them  in  another  place,  Tlie  time  cometh, 
that  whosoever  killethyou  will  think  that  he  doth  God  service. 

If  a  faith  and  practice  agreeable  to  the  New  Testament  were  not  al- 
ways attended  with  a  measure  of  this  opposition,  we  should  want  one 
considerable  evidence  that  the  Gospel  Is  true,  and  infidek  would  be  pos- 
sessed of  one  solid  objection  against  it,  namely,  That  our  Lord  was  mis- 
taken when  he  predicted  the  reception  his  doctrine  would  meet  with. 
But  the  Scriptures  cannot  be  broken  :  the  word  of  Christ  is  fulfilled  and 
futfiUing  every  day,  and,  especially,  in  this  particular.  Many,  perhaps, 
will  be  ready  to  object  here,  and  to  maintain,  that  in  our  nation,  and  at 
this  present  time,  the  charge  is  invidious  and  lalse.  It  will  be  pleaded, 
that  when  Christianity  had  to  struggle  with  Jews  and  Pagans  it  could  not 
but  be  opposed ;  but  that  with  us,  under  the  guard  of  a  national  estab- 
lishment, an  opposition  to  Christianity,  (unless  by  the  feeble  efforts  of  de- 
ists and  libertines,)  is  impracticable  and  inconsistent  by  the  very  terms  ; 
and  that,  if  the  cdlusions  of  a  few  visionary  enthusiasts  are  treated  with 
that  contempt  and  indignation  which  they  justly  deserve,  this  should  not 
be  styled  an  opposition  to  Christianity,  but  rather  a  warrantable  concern 
for  its  vindication,  especially  as  no  coercive  methods  are  used  ;  for 
though  some  attempts  have  been  made  to  restrain  the  leaders  from  poison- 
ing the  minds  of  the  people,  yet  no  person  is  injured,  either  in  life  or 
property,  on  account  of  his  opinions,  how  extravagant  soever. 

To  this  extenuation  it  may  be  replied, 

1.  I  do  not  assert  that  persecution  and  reproach  must  necessarily  at- 
tend the  name  of  a  Christian,  or  tliat  it  is  not  possible  to  make  a  high  pro>- 
fession  of  religion  under  that  name,  and  at  the  same  time  preserve  or  ac- 
(juire  a  large  share  of  the  honours,  riches,  and  friendship  of  the  world  ; 
but  I  maintain,  with  the  apostle,  •  All  that  will  live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus 
shall  suffer  persecution.'  The  distinction  he  makes  in  these  words  is  ob- 
servable :  So  much  godliness  as  may  be  professed  without  a  peculiar  re- 
lation to  Jesus,  the  world  will  bear  ;  sobriety  and  benevolence  they  will 
applaud  :  even  prayers,  fastings,  and  other  external  acts  may  be  com- 
mended ;  but  to  live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus — so  as  to  profess  our  whole 
dependence  upon  his  free  salvation,  to  seek  all  our  strength  from  his 
grace,  to  do  all  expressly  for  his  sake,  and  then  to  renounce  all  trust  or 
confidence  in  what  we  have  done,  and  to  make  mention  of  his  righteous- 
ness only — this  the  world  cannot  bear  ;  this  will  surely  provoke  the  con- 
tempt or  hatred  of  all  who  have  not  the  same  spirit,  whether  accounted 
Christians   or  Infidels,    Fapicts   or  Protestants.     That  nothing  less  than 


244  INTROUUCTIOiS. 

what  I  have  mentioned  can  be  the  import  of  living  godly  in  Ciuist  Jesusf^ 
I  shall  ii>  due  time  prove  by  a  cloud  of  witnesses. 

2.  I  acknowledge,  with  thankfulness  to  God,  and  to  those  whom  he 
has  placed  in  just  authority  over  us,  that  the  interposition  of  stripes,  im- 
prisonment, tortures,  and  death,  in  matters  pertaining  to  conscience,  has 
no  longer  place  in  our  happy  land. 

jacet  (seraperque  jaceat !) 

Divini  Imago  Zelis  et  Pestis. 

The  spirit  of  persecution  is  repressed  by  the  wisdom  of  our  laws  and  the 
clemency  of  our  princes  ;  but  we  have  no  ground  to  believe  it  is  extinct, 
or  rather,  we  have  sufficient  evidence  of  the  contrary.  Not  to  mention 
some  recent  instances,  in  which  power  has  been  strained  to  its  full  extent, 
it  is  notorious  that  scorn,  invective,  and  calumny,  (which  can  act  unre- 
strained by  human  laws,)  are  employed  for  the  same  ends  and  purposes, 
which,  in  other  countries,  are  more  speedily  effected  by  anathemas  and 
sanguinary  edicts.  • 

3.  The  opposition.  I  am  speaking  of  is  not  primarily  between  men  and 
men,  simply  considered,  but  between  the  spirit  of  the  world  and  the  spirit 
that  is  of  God,  and  therefore  the  manifestation  of  each  will  be  in  mutual 
proportion.  The  Lord  Jesus  himself  sustained  the  fiercest  contradiction 
of  sinners,  because  his  character  was  superlatively  excellent ;  his  apos- 
tles, though  far  inferior  to  their  Lord,  expressed  so  much  of  his  temper 
and  conduct,  that  they  were  counted  worthy  to  suffer  shame  in  the  next 
degree  to  him  ;  as  he  was,  so  were  they  in  the  world.  St.  Paul,  who  la- 
boured more  abundantly  than  his  brethren,  experienced  a  larger  share  of 
dishonour  and  ill-treatment.  Though  educated  at  the  feet  of  Gamaliel, 
apd  no  stranger  to  Grecian  literature,  when  he  showed  himself  determi- 
ned to  know  nothing  but  Jesus,  and  to  glory  only  in  his  cross,  he  v.  as  ac- 
counted, by  Jew  and  Gentile,  as  the  filth  and  off-scouring  of  all  things : 
and  thus  it  will  hold  universally.  If,  therefore,  any  who  sincerely  es- 
pouse the  Gospel,  meet  with  little  disturbance  or  censure,  it  is  not  because 
the  carnal  mind  is  better  reconciled  to  the  truth  than  formerly  in  the  apos- 
tles' days,  but  because  our  zeal,  faith,  and  activity  are  so  much  inferior  to 
theirs,  and  our  conduct  more  conformable  to  the  prevailing  taste  aroun() 
us. 

4.  I  confess,  that,  (as  our  Saviour  has  taught  us  to  expect  by  the  paP' 
able  of  the  tares,)  revivals  of  religion  have  been  generally  attended  with 
some  incidental  offences,  and  counterfeited  by  many  false  appearances. 
It  has  been  so  in  times  past,  it  is  so  at  present,  and  we  are  far  from  jus- 


INTRODUCTION.  245 

tifying  every  thing,  and  in  every  degi-ee,  tiiat  the  world  is  ready  to  con- 
demn. However,  we  cannot  but  complain  of  a  want  of  candour  and 
ingenuousness  in  this  respect  also.  Many  who  bring  loud  charges  against 
what  is  irregular  and  blameable,  are  evidently  glad  of  the  opportunity  to 
prejudice  and  alarm  v>eak  minds :  they  do  not  confine  their  reproof  to 
■what  is  erroneous  and  unscriptural,  but  endeavour,  by  ambiguous  expres- 
sions, invidious  names,  and  indiscriminate  censures,  to  obscure  the  state 
of  the  question,  and  to  brand  error  and  truth  with  the  same  mark  of  in- 
famy ;  they  either  cannot,  or  will  not,  distinguish  between  evangelical 
principles  and  the  abuse  of  them  :  and  when  the  distinction  has  been 
pointed  out  to  them  again  and  again,  they  refuse  attention,  and  repeat 
the  same  stale  misrepresentations  which  they  know  have  been  often  re- 
futed ;  they  will  not  allow  a  grain  for  infirmity  or  inadvertence  in  those 
whom  they  oppose,  while  they  demand  the  largest  concessions  for  them- 
selves and  their  adherents  ;  they  expect  strict  demonstrations  from  others, 
while,  in  their  own  cause,  they  are  not  ashamed  to  produce  slandei-s  for 
proofs,  and  jests  for  arguments  ;  thus  they  triumph  without  a  victory, 
and  decide,  ex  cathedra,  without  so  much  as  entering  upon  the  merits  of 
the  cause.  These  methods,  however  successful,  are  not  new  inventions  : 
by  such  arts  and  arms  as  these,  Christianity  was  opposed  from  its  first  ap- 
pearance ;  in  this  way,  Lucian,  Celsus,  and  Julian,  employed  their 
talents,  and  made  themselves  famous  to  future  times. 

I  judge  it,  therefore,  a  seasonable  undertaking,  to  attempt  the  apology 
of  Evangelical  Christianity,  and  to  obvHite  the  sophistry  and  calumnies 
tPhich  have  been  published  against  it ;  and  this  I  hope  to  do,  without  en- 
gaging in  any  controversy,  by  a  plain  enumeration  of  facts.  I  propose 
to  give  a  brief  delineation  of  Ecclesiastical  History  from  our  Saviour's 
time ;  and,  that  the  reader  may  know  what  to  expect,  I  shall  here  subjoin 
the  principal  points  I  have  in  view. 

1.  I  shall  consider  the  genius  and  characteristic  marks  of  the  Gospel 
which  Jesus  taught,  and  show  that,  so  long  as  this  Gospel  was  maintain- 
ed in  its  purity,  it  neither  admitted  nor  found  a  neutrality,  but  that  all 
who  were  not  partakers  of  its  benefits  were  exceedingly  enraged  against 
it.  I  shall  make  it  appear  that  the  same  objections  which  have  attended 
any  reformations  in  later  ages,  were  equally  strong  against  Christianity, 
as  taught  by  Christ  and  his  first  disciples  ;  and  that  the  oflences  and  ir- 
regularities which  have  been  known  to  attend  a  revival  of  evangelical  doc- 
trine in  our  time,  were  prevalent,  to  a  considerable  degree,  under  the 
nreaching  and  inspection  of  the  apostles.  ■* 


24G  INTRODUCTION. 

2.  When  1  come  to  the  lives  and  conduct  of  those  called  the  Fathers^, 
whose  names  are  held  in  ignorant  admiration  by  thousands,  1  shall  prove, 
on  the  one  hand,  that  the  doctrines  for  which  the  Fathers  were  truly  com- 
mendable, and  by  which  many  were  enabled  to  seal  their  profession  with 
their  blood,  were  the  same  which  are  now  branded  with  the  epithets  of 
absurd  am]  enthusiastic  ;  and,  on  the  other  hand,  that  the  Fathers,  how- 
ever venerable,  were  men  like  ourselves,  subject  to  mistakes  and  infirmi- 
ties,  and  began  very  soon  to  depart  from  the  purity  and  simplicity  of  the 
Gospel. 

3.  The  progress  of  our  history  will  manifest  that  the  accession  ol 
wealth  and  power  to  the  Christian  profession  proved  greatly  detrimental 
to  the  faith,  discipline,  and  manners  of  the  churches  ;  so  that,  after  the 
emperors  publicly  espoused  the  cause  of  Christ,  the  power  and  beauty  of 
the  Gospel  was  gradually  eclipsed.  Yet,  in  the  most  degenerate  times, 
God  had  a  spiritual  people,  who,  though  partaking  in  some  degree  of  the 
geneial  declension,  retained  so  much  of  the  primitive  truth  and  practice 
as  to  incur  the  hatred  and  persecution  of  what  is  called  the  Christian 
world. 

4.  I  shall  treat  of  the  means  and  instruments  by  which  the  Lord  sup- 
ported and  revived  his  declining  cause  during  several  centuries.  1.  In 
the  valleys  of  Piedmont,  Provence,  &c.  by  Barengarius,  Waldo,  and  oth- 
ers. 2.  In  England,  by  Wickliffe  and  his  followers.  3.  In  Bohemia, 
by  John  Huss  and  Jerome  of  Prague.  4.  In  Germany,  by  Luther. 
Here  I  shall  take  occasion  to  observe,  1.  That  these  successive  reforma- 
tions were  all  projected  and  executed,  so  far  as  God  was  pleased  to  give 
success,  upon  the  same  principles  which  are  now  so  industriously  explo- 
ded by  many  who  would  be  thought  champions  of  the  Protestant  faith. 
2r  That  Luther's  reformation,  the  most  extensive  and  successful,  and  of 
which  we  have  the  best  accounts,  was  soon  followed  by  errors,  heresies, 
and  a  numerous  train  of  abominations  (as  had  been  the  case  with  primi- 
tive Christianity)  which  the  Romanists,  in  imitation  of  their  Pagan  pre- 
decessors, joyfully  laid  to  the  charge  of  the  doctrine  which  Luther 
preached. 

5.  As  it  was  not  long  before  the  reformed  countries  needed  a  second 
reformation,  I  shall  give  some  account  of  the  endeavours  of  many  good 
men  in  Germany  and  other  places  in  this  view,  their  principles,  success, 
and  the  treatment  they  met  with  from  those  who  ougiit  to  have  supported 
them  ;  and  then  I  shall  briefly  take  notice  of  the  similar  occurrences  in 
our  country,  from  the  end  of  Queen  Mary's  reign  to  the  present  time,  to- 


INTRODUCTION,  247 

gether  with  what  has  been  most  remarkable  in  the  history  of  the  Gospel 
in  our  American  settlements. 

6.  I  shall  occasionally  consider  the  character  and  conduct  of  those 
persons  whom  God  has  honoured  with  eminent  usefulness  in  the  diflerent 
periods  of  his  church,  point  out  the  defects  in  their  plan,  and  the  mis- 
takes which,  through  infirmity,  in  some  degree  blemished  their  underta- 
kings. 

7-  Finally,  to  make  it  evident  that  the  spiritual  worshippers  of  God 
have  always  been  a  sect  every  where  spoken  against,  I  shall  enumerate 
some  of  the  reproachful  names  that  have  been  successively  fixed  on  them, 
as  the  mark  of  general  contempt  and  abhorrence,  such  as  Patarienes, 
Lollards,  Hugenots,  Gospellers,  Puritans,  Pietists,  &c. 

These  particulars  will  be  illustrated  in  the  course  of  our  history,  not 
exactly  in  the  order  here  laid  down,  but  as  the  series  of  the  narration  shall 
require  or  suggest.  I  shall  not  confine  myself  to  a  nice  uniformity  ot" 
method,  or  a  dry  detail  of  facts,  but  shall  endeavoOr  to  illustrate  and  ap- 
ply the  several  incidents  to  the  use  and  edification  of  common  readers, 
and  with  a  view  to  my  primary  design,  which  is,  (as  I  have  already  said,) 
to  vindicate  the  doctrines  of  the  Reformation,  or,  in  other  woi'ds,  the 
main  doctrines  taught  in  the  Articles  and  Homilies  of  the  Church  of 
England,  from  those  unjust  and  disingenuous  invectives  which  are  every 
day  cast  upon  them,  by  not  a  few  who  owe  all  their  distinction  and  au- 
thority to  their  having  solemnly  engaged  to  defend  them. 

Whoever  considers  the  intricacy  and  variety  of  Ecclesiastical  History, 
and  that  the  best  collections  of  that  sort  have  swelled  to  a  number  of 
folios,  will  not  expect  to  find  every  thing  that  might  have  deserved  a 
place.  The  life  of  a  man  would  hardly  suffice  to  furnish  a  work  of  tiiis 
sort  in  its  just  extent. 

I  must  content  myself  with  selecting  a  competent  number  of  the  most 
authentic  and  interesting  topics,  from  the  voluminous  materials  already 
published,  but  which,  either  from  the  size  or  scarceness  of  the  books,  or 
the  languages  in  which  they  are  written,  are  little  more  known  to  the  gen- 
erality of  readers,  than  if  they  had  never  appeared  in  print. 

I  shall  avoid,  as  far  as  possible,  interfering  in  the  controversies  on 
church  government,  reserving  to  myself,  and  willingly  leaving  to  others, 
the  rights  of  private  judgment,  the  just  privilege  of  Christians,  Protes- 
tants, and  Britons. 

It  must  be  confessed  that  the  bulk  of  Ecclesiastical  History,  as  it  is 
generally  understood,  is  little  more  than  a  history  of  what  the  passions, 


248  INTRODUCTION. 

prejudices,  and  interested  views  of  men  have  prompted  them  to  penetrate 
under  the  pretext  and  sanction  of  religion.  Enough  has  been  wrote  in 
this  way  ;  curiosity,  nay,  maHce  itself,  need  desire  no  more.  I  propose 
to  open  a  more  pleasing  prospect,  to  point  out,  by  a  long  succession  of 
witnesses,  the  native  tendency  and  proper  influence  of  the  religion  of  Je- 
sus; to  produce  the  concurring  suffrage  of  different  ages,  people,  and  lan- 
guages, in  favour  of  what  the  wisdom  of  the  world  rejects  aud  reviles  ;  to 
bring  unanswerable  proofs  that  the  doctrine  of  grace  is  a  doctrine  accord- 
ing to  godliness,  that  the  constraining  love  of  Christ  is  the  most  powerful 
motive  to  obedience,  that  it  is  the  property  of  true  faith  to  overcome  the 
world,  and  that  the  true  church  and  people  of  Christ  have  endured  his 
cross  in  every  age  ;  the  enemy  has  thrust  sore  at  them  that  they  might 
fall,  but  the  Lord  has  been  their  refuge  and  support ;  they  are  placed  up- 
on a  rock  that  cannot  be  shaken,  they  are  kept  [9poupou|X£voi]  guarded  and 
garrisoned  by  the  power  of  God,  and  therefore  the  gates  of  hell  have  not, 
'"annot,  shall  not  prevail  against  them. 

Per  damna,  per  ca?des,  ab  ipso 
Ducit  opes  animmnquc  ferro. 


PREFACE. 


A  REVIEW  of  Ecclesiastical  History,  upon  tiic  plan  proposed  in  tiie  In- 
troduction, is  a  subject  of  so  much  extent  and  difficulty,  that,  if  I  had  not 
entered  upon  it  before  my  admission  into  the  ministry,  I  believe  I  should 
not  have  attempted  it  afterwards;  fori  soon  found  that  the  stated  care  of 
a  large  parish,  and  a  due  attention  to  the  occasional  occurrences  of  every 
day,  would  leave  me  but  little  leisure  for  the  prosecution  of  ray  design. 
Upon  these  accounts  it  was  wholly  intermitted  for  several  years  ;  and  my 
progress  since  I  have  resumed  it,  has  been  so  slow,  and  my  interruptions 
so  many,  that  I  had  almost  determined  to  content  myself  v.ith  publishing, 
in  a  single  volume,  a  Review  of  the  First  Century.  However,  a  desire 
of  completing  the  work  has  prevailed,  and  I  send  this  abroad  with  the 
title  of  ajirst  volume,  because  I  hope  it  will  be  followed  by  more,  if  the 
great  God,  who  has  the  sovereign  disposal  of  his  creatures,  shall  be  pleas- 
ed to  afford  me  a  competent  measure  of  health  and  ability  for  the  service  ; 
but  if  he  should  see  fit  to  appoint  otherwise,  I  hope  what  I  now  offer  to 
the  public,  (though  but  a  part  of  my  intended  plan,)  may  suffice  to  show 
how  little  just  ground  there  is  for  the  insinuations  and  invectives,  whicli 
have  been  so  plentifull}'  thrown  out  against  the  preachers  and  professors 
of  those  doctrines,  which  were  once  esteemed  the  life  and  glory  of  the 
Protestant  name. 

I  cannot  expect  that  all  my  readers  will  be  pleased  with  the  applica- 
tion I  have  made  of  New  Testament  facts  to  the  state  of  religion  in  our 
times  ;  but  as  I  am  not  conscious  that  I  have  written  a  single  line  with  a 
view  to  provoke  or  inflame,  I  have  only  to  entreat  a  candid  perusal,  and 
to  commit  the  issue  to  Him  whom  I  desire  to  serve  with  my  spirit  in  the 
Gospel  of  his  Son.  I  have  long  thought  an  attempt  of  tliis  kind  would 
be  seasonable ;  I  pray  that  it  may  be  useful.  If  it  should  in  any  measr 
ure  contribute  to  remove  or  soften  the  prejudice  by  which  great  numbers 
are  prevented  from   attending  to  the  one  thing   needful,  and  induced  to 

Vol.  II.  32 


250  PREFACE. 

speak  evil  of  that  which  they  know  not,  I  shall  account  ray  time  well  em- 
ployed. I  hope  I  have  been  influenced  by  no  motives  but  the  love  of 
truth,  and  a  desire  to  promote  the  welfare  of  immortal  souls,  and  there- 
fore have  expressed  my  sentiments  with  plainness,  and  freedom,  as  I 
think  it  behooves  every  one  to  do,  when  treating  on  subjects  in  which  the 
truths  of  God  and  the  souls  of  men  are  immediately  concerned. 

JOHN  NEWTON. 
Olney,  November ^  1769- 


BOOK  r. 

OF  THE  FIRST   PERIOD  OF  CHRISTIANITY. 


CHAPTER  I. 

The  ivisdom  and  goodiiess  of  God  conspicuous  in  the  period  assigned  for 
Christ^s  appearance  :  illustrated  by  a  summary  view  of  the  state  of  mankind 
hefore  and  at  the  lime  of  his  birth. 

When  the  first  man  had  fallen  from  the  happiness  and  perfec- 
tion of  his  creation,  had  rendered  himself  corrupt  and  miserable, 
and  was  only  capable  of  transmitting  depravity  and  misery  to  his 
posterity ;  the  goodness  of  God  immediately  revealed  a  remedy 
adequate  to  his  distressed  situation.  The  Lord  Jesus  was  prom- 
ised under  the  character  of  the  seed  of  the  woman,  as  the  great 
deliverer  who  should  repair  the  breach  of  sin,  and  retrieve  the 
ruin  of  human  nature.  From  that  hour  he  became  the  object  of 
faith,  and  the  author  of  salvation,  to  every  soul  that  aspired  to 
communion  with  God,  and  earnestly  sought  deliverance  from  guilt 
and  wrath.  This  discovery  of  a  Saviour  was,  in  the  first  ages, 
veiled  under  types  and  shadows :  and,  like  the  advancing  day, 
became  brighter,  and  brighter,  as  the  time  of  his  manifestation 
drew  near;  but  it  was  always  sufficient  to  sustain  the  hopes  and  to 
purify  the  hearts  of  the  true  worshippers  of  God.  That  the  patri- 
archs and  prophets  of  old  were  in  this  sense  Christians,  that  is  to 
say,  that  their  joy  and  trust  centred  in  the  promised  Messiah,  and 
that  the  faith,  whereby  they  overcame  the  world,  was  the  same 
faith  in  the  same  Lord  with  ours,  is  unanswerably  proved  by  St. 
Paul,  in  several  passages  :*  particularly  in  Heb.  xi.  where  he  at 
large  insists  on  the  characters  of  Abel,  Enoch,  Noah,  Abraham, 
and  Moses,  to  illustrate  this  very  point. 

At  length,  in  tlie  fulness  of  time, f  (as  the  apostle  speaks,)  the 
time  marked  out  by  the  ancient  prophecies,  the  time  to  which  all 
the  previous  dispensations  of  Divine  Providence  had  express  refer- 
ence and  subordination,  and  which  was  peculiarly  suited  to  place 
the  manifold  wisdom  of  God  and  the  truths  of  divine  revelation  in 
the  clearest  light;  the  long-expected  Messiah  appeared,  as  the 

*  Rom.  iv.     GaL  iii.  16,  1 7.         ^  Cal.  iv,  1. 


252  A  REVIEW   OF  [Book  1  . 

surety  and  Saviour  of  sinners,  to  accomplish  the  great  work  of 
redemption.  For  these  purposes  he  was  born  of  a  virgin,  of  the 
family  of  David,  at  the  town  of  Bethlehem,  as  the  prophets  had 
foretold.  This  great  event  took  place  in  the  27th  year  of  the 
reign  of  Augustus  Csesar,  (computing  from  the  battle  of  Ac- 
tium  5*)  and  according  to  the  most  received  authorities,  almost 
1920  years  from  the  calling  of  Abraham,  and  about  4000  from  . 
the  creation. 

The  pride  and  vanity  of  man,  which  prompt  him  to  cavil  with 
his  Maker,  and  to  dispute  when  he  ought  to  obey,  have  often  ob- 
jected to  the  expedience  and  propriety  of  this  appointment.  It 
has  been  asked,  if  Christ's  appearance  was  so  absolutely  neces- 
sary, why  was  it  so  long  deferred  ?  or,  if  mankind  could  do  with- 
out him  for  so  many  thousand  years,  why  not  longer,  or  for 
ever  ?  In  attempting  a  solution  of  this  difficulty,  some  well 
meaning  persons,  from  too  earnest  a  desire  to  render  the  coun- 
sels of  God  more  acceptable  to  the  narrow  apprehensions  of  un- 
banctified  reason,  have  given  up  the  ground  they  ought  to  have 
maintained,  and  made  such  concessions  as,  (if  extended  to  their 
just  consequence,)  would  amount  to  all  that  the  most  hardened 
infidel  can  desire.  The  most  direct  and  proper  answer  is  sug- 
gested by  St.  Paul  on  a  similar  occasion,!  '  Who  art  thou,  O  man, 
that  repliest  against  God  .^'  That  the  w  ill  and  wisdom  of  the 
Creator  should  direct  and  limit  the  inquiries  of  his  rational  crea- 
tures, is  a  principle  highly  consonant  to  right  reason  itself.  And 
there  can  hardly  be  a  stronger  proof  of  human  depravity,  than 
that  this  argument  is  so  generally  esteemed  inconclusive.  But 
waving  this,  a  sufficient  answer  may  be  made  from  the  premises 
already  advanced. 

God  was  not  a  debtor  to  sinful  men.  He  might  have  left  them 
all  to  perish,  (as  he  left  the  sinning  angels,)  without  the  least  im- 
peachment of  his  goodness.  But  his  mercy  interposed,  and  he 
spared  not  his  own  Son,  that  sinners  might  be  saved  in  a  way  con- 
sistent with  his  perfections.  But  though,  in  cGmpassion  to  us,  he 
provided  the  means  of  salvation  ;  we  cannot  wonder,  that,  in  jus- 
tice to  himself,  he  laid  the  plan  in  such  a  manner  as  might  most 
clearly  illustrate  the  riciies  of  liis  own  grace,  and  most  effectually 

*Bossuet  Univ.  Hist.     Prideaux  Connec. 

f  Rom.  ix.  £0.  It  is  observable  in  this  passage,  that  tiic  apostle  foresees  and 
states  the  great  objection  \vbich  would  be  made  to  his  doctrine  ;  and  does  not 
attempt  to  answer  it  any  furtiier,  than  bv  referring  all  to  the  will  of  him  who 
formed  the  whole  mass,  and  has  a  right  to  dispose  of  it.  Had  succeeding  wri- 
ters and  teachers  imitated  his  example,  declared  the  plain  truth  in  plain  words, 
and  avoided  vain  and  r-ndless  reasonings,  how  manv  offences  would  have  been 
prevented ! 


Chap.   1.3  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  253 

humble  and  silence  the  pardoned  offenders  ;  to  prevent  their  boast- 
ing and  trusting  in  themselves,  and  to  give  them  the  most  affect- 
ing views  of  his  unmerited  goodness.  We  may,  therefore,  humbly 
conceive  one  reason  why  Ciirist  was  no  sooner  manifested  in  the 
flesh,  to  have  been,  that  the  nature,  effects,  and  inveteracy  of  sin 
might  be  more  evidently  known  ;  and  the  insufficiency  of  every 
other  means  of  relief  demonstrated,  by  the  universal  experience  of 
many  ages. 

What  is  the  history  of  mankind,  but  a  diffusive  exemplification 
of  the  Scripture  doctrines,  concerning  the  dreadful  nature  and  ef- 
fects of  sin,  and  the  desperate  wickedness  of  the  heart  of  man  I 
We  are  accustomed,  from  our  infancy,  to  call  evil  good,  and  good 
evil.  We  acquire  an  early  prejudice  in  favour  of  heroes,  con- 
querors, and  philosophers.  But  if  we  consider  the  facts  recorded 
in  the  annals  of  antiquity,  divested  of  the  false  glare  and  studied 
ornaments  with  which  the  vanity  of  writers  has  disguised  them, 
they  will  afford  but  a  dark  and  melancholy  review.  The  spirit  of 
the  first-born,  Cain,  appears  to  have  influenced  the  whole  human 
race:  the  peace  of  nations,  cities,  and  families,  has  been  continu- 
ally disturbed  by  the  bitter  effects  of  ambition,  avarice,  revenge, 
cruelty,  and  lust.  The  general  knowledge  of  God  was  soon  lost 
out  of  the  world  ;  and,  when  his  fear  was  set  aside,  the  restraints, 
dictated  by  the  interests  of  civil  society,  were  always  too  weak  to 
prevent  the  most  horrid  evils.  In  a  word,  the  character  of  all 
ages  and  countries  before  the  coming  of  Christ,  (a  few  excepted, 
where  the  light  of  revelation  was  afforded,)  is  strongly,  though 
briefly  drawn  by  St.  Paul.*  '  Foolish '  and  infatuated  to  the 
highest  degree,  '  disobedient'  to  the  plainest  dictates  of  nature, 
reason,  and  conscience,  'enslavedf  to  divers'  dishonourable  '  lusts* 
and  pleasures,  living  in  malice  and  envy,  hateful'  and  abominable 
in  themselves,  and  incessantly  '  hating  '  and  worrying  '  one  an- 
odier.' 

It  would  be  more  easy  than  pleasant  to  make  out  this  charge 
by  a  long  induction  of  particulars.  And,  without  having  recourse 
to  the  most  savage  and  uncultivated,  the  proof  might  be  rested  on 
the  character  of  the  two  most  celebrated  and  civilized  nations,  and 
at  the  time  of  their  greatest  refinement,  the  Creeks  and  the  Ro- 
mans. St.  Paul  lias  given  us  the  result  of  their  boasted  improve- 
mentsj  in  arts  and  sciences,  in  war  and  commerce,  in  philosoph\' 

•=*  Titus  iii.  3. 

f  '  Enslaved.'  So  the  original  'term  may  he  ompliaticaliy  rendered  ;  at  the 
control  of  various  and  opposite  passions,  hurried  about  by  them  all  in  their  turnt, 
and  incapable  of  resisting  or  refusing  the  motions  of  any. 

\  Rom.  1 .  from  v.  21.  to  the  end.  An  affecting  comment  on  this  passage  might 
be  collected  from  Horace,  Juvenal,  Sailust,  and  Suetonius. 


254  A  REVIEW  OP  [Book  1. 

and  literature  ;  and  he  says  no  more  than  is  abundantly  confirmed 
by  their  own  poets  and  historians.  Notwithstanding  the  marks 
and  fruits  of  fine  taste  and  exalted  genius  which  were  found 
amongst  them,  they  were  habitually  abandoned  to  the  grossest 
vices.  Devoted  to  the  most  stupid  '  idolatry,'  they  worshipped 
the  works  of  their  own  hands  ;  nay,  erected  altars  to  their  follies 
and  passions.  Their  moral  characters  were  answerable  to  their 
principles.  '  Without  natural  afl'ection,'  they  frequently  exposed 
their  helpless  infants  to  perish.  They  burned  with  '  lusts '  not  to 
be  named  without  horror  ;  and  this  not  the  meaner  sort  only,  or 
in  secret,  but  some  of  their  finest  spirits  and  most  admired  w  rit- 
ers*  were  sunk  so  low  as  to  glory  in  their  shame,  and  openly 
avow  themselves  the  disgrace  of  humanit}^  In  their  public  con- 
cerns, (notwithstanding  their  specious  pretences,)  they  were  '  cov- 
enant breakers,  implacable,  unmerciful,'  and  '  unjust.'  Guilty  of 
the  severest  oppression,  while  they  boasted  highly  of  equity  and 
moderation  ;■}•  as  was  particularly  manifested  on  the  destruction 
of  Carthage  and  Corinth  :  two  memorable  instances  of  the  spirit 
of  a  government,  so  undeservedly  admired  in  after-times.  And  as 
the  Roman  power,  so  the  Grecian  eloquence  was  perverted  to  the 
worst  purposes  ;  to  palliate  crimes,  to  consecrate  folly,  and  to  re- 
commend falsehood  under  the  guise  and  semblance  of  truth. 

Such  was  the  character  of  the  people,  reputed  the  wisest  and  the 
best  of  the  heathens ;  and  particularly  so  at  the  birth  of  Christ, 
when  the  Roman  empire  was  at  the  summit  of  authority  and 
splendour.  A  long  experience  had  shown  the  general  depi'avity 
to  be  not  only  inveterate,  but  incurable.  For,  during  several 
preceding  ages,  a  reformation  had  been  desired  and  attempted. 
The  principal  leaders  in  this  commendable  design  were  called 
philosophers,  and  many  of  their  writings  are  still  extant.  It  must 
be  acknowledged  that  some  of  them  had  a  faint  view  of  several 
important  truths ;  but  as  they  neither  knew  the  cause  and  extent 
of  the  disorder,  nor  the  only  effectual  remedy,  they  met  with  little 
success.  Their  schemes  were  various,  inconsistent,  and  even  op- 
posite ;  and  each  party  more  successful  in  opposing  the  fallacy  of 
other  sects  than  in  maintaining  their  own.  Those  who  came 
nearest  the  truth,  and  were   in  earnest  to  promote  it,  were  vory 

*  See  Virgil.  Eclog.  ii. 

f  See  Acts  xxvii.  H.  The  soldiers  would  have  killed  all  the  prisoners,  right 
or  wrong,  rather  than  one  of  them  should  have  a  possibility  of  escaping:  and  ijt 
this,  wiilioiit  douht,  they  consulted  their  own  safety,  and  the  spirit  of  their  law>. 
Why,  then,  were  the  Romans  so  much  admired  ?  Could  there  be  a  greater  proof 
of  cruelty  and  injustice  found  amongst  the  most  barbarous  nations,  than  to  leave 
prisoners,  who  possibly  might  be  innocent,  exposed  to  the  wanton  caprice  of  their 
keepers  ? 


Chap,   r.j  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  255 

few.  Even  these  were  ignorant  of  some  things  absolutely  neces- 
sary to  the  attainment  of  the  desired  end.  The  best  of  them  were 
restrained  by  the  fear  of  men,  and  a  regard  to  established  cus- 
toms. What  they  could  and  did  propound,  they  had  not  suffi- 
cient authority  or  influence  to  impress  upon  the  consciences  of 
men.  And  if,  in  a  few  instances,  they  seemed  to  succeed,  the  ad- 
vantage was  only  imaginary.  Where  they  prevailed  on  any  to 
relinquish  intemperance,  they  made  them  full  amends  by  gratify- 
ing their  pride.  The  business  passed  from  hand  to  hand,  from 
sect  to  sect,  but  all  to  no  purpose.  After  innumerable  disputations, 
and  volumes  concerning  the  supreme  good,  the  beauty  of  virtue, 
the  fitness  of  things,  and  other  high  sounding  topics,  they  left  mat- 
ters as  bad  or  worse  than  they  found  them.  They  could  not  ef- 
fectually inculcate  their  doctrine  upon  a  single  village  or  family. 
Nay,  they  were  but  half  persuaded  themselves,  and  could  not 
act  up  to  their  own  principles  when  they  most  needed  their  sup- 
port.* 

A  still  more  afiecting  view  of  the  degeneracy  of  human  nature 
we  have  in  the  history  of  the  Israelites,  whom  God  was  pleased  to 
set  apart  from  the  rest  of  mankind,  for  several  important  purposes. 
He  revealed  himself  to  this  people  when  they  were  groaning  un- 
der a  heavy  bondage  in  Egypt,  from  which  they  had  neither  spirit 
nor  power  to  deliver  themselves.  He  freed  them  from  their  cap- 
tivity by  a  series  of  illustrious  miracles.  He  led  them  through 
the  sea  and  the  desert.  He  honoured  them  with  the  symbols  of 
his  immediate  presence  ;  was  a  wall  of  fire  round  about  them,  and 
a  glory  in  the  midst  of  them.  He  spoke  to  them  with  an  audible 
voice,  and  fed  them  with  manna  from  heaven.  He  put  them  in 
possession  of  a  good  land,  and  fought  against  all  their  enemies. 
Might  it  not  have  been  expected  that  a  people  so  highly  favoured 
and  honoured  should  have  been  obedient  and  thankful .''  Some  of 
them  were  so.  His  grace  always  preserved  a  spiritual  people 
amongst  them  whose  faith  in  the  Messiah  taught  them  the  true 
meaning  of  the  Levitical  law,  and  inspired  them  with  zeal  and  sin- 
cerity in  the  service  of  God.  But  the  bulk  of  the  nation  was 
always  refractory  and  disobedient.  While  in  the  wilderness,  they 
murmured  against  the  Lord  upon  every  new  difficulty.  Within 
a  few  days  after  the  law  had  been  delivered  in  flames  and  thun- 
der from  the  top  of  Sinai,  they  formed  a  molten  calf  to  worship, 
and  would  have  made  a  captain  who  might  lead  them  back  into 
Egypt.     They  despised  the  good  land  ;  therefore  their  carcass- 

*  Witness  the  prevarication  of  Socrates,  and  the  irresolution  of  €iccro,  to- 
wircls  tile  close  of  their  lives. 


250  A  REVIEW    OF  [Book  1. 

es*  fell  in  the  wilderness.  Their  posterity  retained  the  same  spir- 
it. They  learned  the  ways  of  the  heathen,  whom  the  Lord  cast 
out  before  them.  They  adopted  every  idolatrous  practice,  they 
transgressed  every  divine  command.  During  a  long  succession 
of  warnings,  chastisements,  and  deliverances,  they  became  worse 
and  worse  ;  so  that,  in  Jeremiah's  time,  they  equalled,  or  exceeded 
the  heathens  around  them  in  ignorance  and  wickedness.  They 
mocked  the  messengers  of  God,  despised  his  words,  and  misused 
his  prophets  till  his  wrath  arose  against  them,  and  there  was  no 
remedy.  At  length  their  land  was  laid  waste,  Jerusalem  burnt, 
the  greater  part  of  the  people  destroyed,  and  the  remainder  car- 
ried captives  into  Chaldea. 

Upon  their  return  from  captivity,  they  seemed,  for  a  little  while, 
to  retain  a  sense  of  their  duty,  and  of  the  judgments  they  had 
suffered.  But  all  was  soon  forgot.  Their  wickedness  now  put 
on  a  new  form,  and  discovered  the  evil  of  the  heart  of  man  in  a 
new  point  of  view.  They  were  no  longer  prone  to  idolatry. 
They  avoided  the  most  distant  appearance  of  it  with  scrupulous 
exactness  ;  and  professed  the  highest  attachment  to  God.  They 
boasted  themselves  in  his  law  ;  and,  from  a  presumption  that  they 
were  his  peculiar  people,  they  despised  and  hated  the  rest  of  man- 
kind. It  is  not  our  present  concern  closely  to  follow  their  histo- 
ry. Let  it  suffice  to  say,  that,  by  substituting  a  regard  to  the 
letter  of  the  law,  in  the  place  of  spiritual  obedience,  and  by  pre- 
suming to  multiply  their  own  inventions  and  traditions,f  and  to 
hold  them  no  less  binding  than  the  positive  commands  of  God  ; 
they,  by  degrees,  attained  to  a  pitch  of  impiety  unknown  to  for- 
mer times ;  and  which  vvas  so  much  the  more  offensive  and  abom- 
inable, as  it  vvas  covered  with  the  mask  of  religion,  and  accom- 
panied with  a  claim  to  superior  sanctity. 

*  1  Cor.  X.  <}.  They  were  overthrown  in  the  wilderness,  Karetfr^co^rirfav, 
they  fell  in  heaps,  like  grass  before  the  scytlie  ;  and  this,  after  all  the  great  things 
fhey  had  seen  and  been  partakers  of.  Of  the  many  hundred  thousands  who 
were  above  twenty  years  old  when  they  were  delivered  from  Egypt,  only  two 
persons  were  spared  to  enter  the  promised  land.  A  striking  admonition  to  us, 
not  to  rest  in  the  participation  of  external  privileges  of  any  kind.  For  these 
people  had  seen  the  Lord's  wonders  at  the  Red  Sea,  had  rejoiced  in  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  Egyptians,  and  been  ted  with  manna  from  heaven. 

f  See  one  instance,  Matt.  xv.  5.  Tlic  expression  is  rather  obscure;  but  the 
sense  is, '  What  you  might  expect  from  me  for  your  support,  I  have  put  out  of 
my  own  power  ;  it  is  devoted  to  the  service  of  God  and  tlie  temple.'  And  teach- 
ers allowed  this  to  be  a  legal  exemption.  Any  man  who  would  pay  hand- 
somely to  the  priests  and  the  temple,  might  treat  his  parents  as  he  pleased. 
Thus  they  set  aside  the  express  command  of  God,  by  their  own  authority,  and 
for  their  own  advantage.  The  same  dispensing,  commuting,  engrossing  spirit 
has  too  often  appeared  in  the  Christian  church. 


Chap.   1.]  ECCEESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  257 

Pride,  hypocrisy,  and  interest,  divided  them  into  sects  ;  and 
the  contests  of  each  party  for  superiority,  thi-ew  the  state  into 
frequent  commotions.  Their  intrigues  at  length  brought  upon 
them  the  Roanan  power.  The  city  was  taken  by  Pompey;  and, 
though  they  afterwards  retained  a  shadow  of  liberty,  their  gov- 
ernment was  determined,  from  that  time,  by  the  will  of  the  con- 
querors. At  length  Herod,  a  foreigner,  obtained  it.  In  his 
reign  Christ  was  born. 

Thus  the  state  of  mankind,  l)eforc  the  coming  of  Christ,  prov- 
ed, with  the  fullest  evidence,  the  necessity  of  his  interposition. 
And,  in  the  mean  time,  the  world  had  not  been  left  utterly  help- 
less and  hopeless.  His  future  advent  had  been  revealed  fronj 
the  beginning ;  and,  by  faith  in  that  revelation,  a  remnant  had 
subsisted  in  every  age,  who  had  triumphed  over  the  general  evil, 
and  maintained  the  cause  of  God  and  truth.  It  was  not  necessa- 
ry to  the  salvation  of  these  that  he  should  have  been  manifested 
sooner ;  for  they  beheld  his  day  afar  off,  and  rejoiced  in  his 
name.  With  respect  to  others,  destitute  of  divine  faith,  his  incar- 
nation would  have  had  the  same  effect  at  any  period,  as  it  had  on 
multitudes  who  actually  saw  him  in  the  flesh,  but  offended  with 
the  meanness  of  his  circumstances,  and  the  great  honours  he  vin- 
dicated to  himself,  rejected  him  with  disdain. 

But  further.  The  late  appearance  of  Christ  in  the  world  gave 
room  for  the  full  accomplishment  of  the  prophecies  concerning 
him,  which  had  been  repeated  at  different  times,  with  increasing 
clearness  and  precision  ;  insomuch,  that  the  time,  place,  and  eve- 
ry circumstance  of  his  bii'th,  life,  and  death,  had  been  distinctly 
foretold.  Thus  the  truth  and  authority  of  the  Old  Testament 
were  confirmed  ;  and  the  wisdom,  power,  and  providence  of  God, 
over-riding  and  directing  the  contingencies  of  human  all'airs  to 
produce  this  grand  event  in  its  determinate  period,  were  displayed 
to  the  highest  advantage.  And  as  the  state  of  the  moral  world 
made  his  presence  highly  necessary,  so  God,  in  due  time,  dlsposetl 
the  political  state  of  mankind  in  such  a  manner  as  to  prepare  the 
way  for  a  speedy  and  general  publication  of  the  Gospel  through 
the  world. 

It  would  be  pleasing  to  consider  how  the  rise,  and  fall,  and 
change  of  empires  were  made  successively  subservient  to  intro- 
duce the  kingdom  of  Jesus.  But  this  would  lead  me  beyond  my 
present  bounds.  I  can  only  just  hint  at  two  or  three  events  which 
had  a  more  general  influence.  The  first  is,  the  rapid  progress  of 
Alexander,  whose  extensive  conquests,  divided  amongst  his  suc- 
cessors, laid  the  foundation  of  four  powerful  monarchies,  and 
opened  an  intercourse  between  countries  till  then  unknown  to  each 
other.     By  this  means  the   Greek  tongue  became  familiar  and 

Vol.  II.  33 


208  A    REVIEW   OF  [Book  1- 

common  to  many  nations  ;  and  soon  after  the  Hebrew  Scriptures 
M'ere  translated  into  that  language,  and  the  prophecies  concern- 
ing the  Messiah  were  laid  open  to  the  Gentiles.  To  this  may  be 
added  the  several  dispersions  of  the  Jews;  who,  upon  various  oc- 
casions, had  been  settled  in  almost  every  considerable  city  under 
the  heathen  governments.  B}'  their  traditions  antl  prophecies, 
imperfectly  understood,  a  general  expectation  had  been  raised  of 
some  extraordinary  deliverer,  who  would  shortly  appear.  Last- 
ly, by  the  growth  of  the  Roman  empire,  many  nations  and  peo- 
ple, who  were  before  acquainted  by  means  of  one  common  lan- 
guage, became  more  closely  united  under  one  dominion.  Every 
province  had  a  necessary  connexion  with  Rome  ;  and  Rome  was 
the  centre  and  resort  of  the  greatest  part  of  the  then  habitable 
world. 

As  to  the  Jews,  many  things  concurred  to  animate  their  wishes 
and  expectations  of  tlie  Messiah's  approach.  The  prophecies  were 
in  their  hands.  Many  of  their  wise  men  were  apprised  that  the 
term  of  seventy  weeks,  spoken  of  by  Daniel,  was  drawing  to  a  pe- 
riod. The  sceptre  seemed  departing  from  Judah  ;  they  groaned 
under  a  foreign  yoke,  from  v/hich,  they  vainly  imagined  the  INIes- 
siah  would  set  them  free,  and  give  them,  in  their  turn,  a  temporal 
dou)inion  over  the  nations  of  the  earth.  Though  this  mistake 
prompted  them  to  reject  Christ  when  he  preached  a  deliverance 
unsuitable  to  their  worldly  notions,  yet  it  made  them  solicitous 
and  eager  for  the  appearance  of  the  person  on  whom  their  hopes 
Avere  fixed.  A  few  amongst  them,  however,  better  instructed  in 
the  true  meaning  of  the  prophecies,  were  secretly  waiting,  in  the 
exercises  of  faith  and  prayer,  for  the  consolation  of  Israel.* 

From  this  general  view  of  the  moral  and  political  state  of  man- 
kind, and  the  leading  designs  of  divine  revelation  and  providence, 
previous  to  the  birth  of  Christ,  we  may  conclude,  that  the  time 
fixed  on  from  before  the  foundation  of  the  world  for  his  actual 
exhibition  amongst  men  was  not  an  arbitrary,  but  a  wise  and  gra- 
cious appointment ;  a  determination  admirably  suited  to  place  the 
most  important  truths  in  the  strongest  light.  In  this  way,  the 
depravity,  misery,  and  helplessness  of  man,  the  mercy  of  God, 
and  the  truth  of  the  Scriptures,  were  unquestionably  proved  to  all 
succeeding  times.  The  necessity  of  a  Saviour  was  felt  and  ac- 
knowledged ;  and  the  suitableness,  all-sufficiency,  and  condescen- 
sion of  Jesus,  when  he  undertook  and  accomplished  the  great 
designs  in  which  his  love  engaged  him,  were  more  strongly  illus- 
trated by  the  preceding  contrast.  He  knew  the  whole  human 
race    were  sinners,  rebels,  enemies  against  God  j  he  knew  the 

"Luke  ii,  25. 


Chap.  2.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  259 

terms,  the  price  of  our  redemption  ;  that  he  must  obe}-,  sufier, 
weep  and  die.  Yet  he  came.  He  emptied  himself  of  his  glory 
and  honour,  and  took  on  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  to  bring  the 
glad  tidings  of  salvation  to  men.  In  effect,  the  gospel  of  Christ 
soon  appeared  to  be  the  great  dcsideratuin,  and  completely  re- 
dressed the  evils  which  philosophy  had  given  up  as  desperate. 
The  genius  and  characteristic  marks  of  this  Gospel  will  be  con- 
sidered in  the  following  chapter. 


CHAPTER  II. 
The  Character  and  Genius  of  the  Gospel,  as  taught  and  exe7npliftc'dhij  Christ. 

A  SUCCINCT  history  of  the  life  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  is  no  part 
of  our  plan.  This  the  inspired  evangelists  have  performed  with  the 
highest  advantage  and  authority;  and  their  writings  (through  the 
mercy  of  God)  are  general!}'  known  and  read  in  our  own  tongue. 
It  will  be  sufficient  for  me  to  select  a  few  passages  from  them,  to 
explain  and  conHrm  the  several  j)oints  I  have  proposed  to  treat  of 
in  this  book,  as  principles  whereon  to  ground  our  observations  on 
the  spirit  and  conduct  of  after-times. 

At  present  1  propose  to  state  the  true  character  and  genius  of 
his  doctrine.  This  may  seem  a  digression  from  my  main  design  ; 
but,  as  I  shall  often  have  occasion  to  speak  of  the  Gospel,  and  the 
opposition  it  has  met  with,  it  will  not  be  improper,  in  the  first 
place,  to  exhibit  a  general  idea  of  what  we  mean  by  the  Gospel ; 
especially  as  the  professed  followers  of  Christ  have  been,  and  still 
are,  not  a  little  divided  upon  the  point. 

We  may  describe  the  Gospel  to  be — A  (Uvine  revelation  in  the 
person  of  Jesus  Christ,  discovering  the  misery  of  fallen  man  by 
sin,  and  the  means  of  his  complete  recovery  hy  the  free  grace  of 
God,  through  faith,  unto  holiness  and  happiness.  The  explica- 
tion and  proof  of  these  particulars  from  our  Lord's  express  decla- 
rations, and  the  tenour  of  his  conduct,  will  sufficiently  point  out 
the  principal  marks  and  characters  of  his  Gospel.  But  before  we 
enter  upon  this,  two  things  ma\  be  premised. 

1.  Though  I  confine  niyself  to  the  writings  of  the  evangelists, 
in  this  disquisition,  yet  it  should  be  remembered,  tliat  whilst  our 
Lord  was  visibly  conversant  with  men,  he  did  not  ordinarily  dis- 
cover the  whole  system  of  his  doctrine  in  express  terms.  He 
spoke  to  the  multitude,  for  the  most  part,  in  parables,"  and  was 
not  forward  to  proclaim  himself  the  3Iessiah  upon  cveryf  occa- 

*Matt.  xiii.  10,  11.  •^3Iatt.  xvi.  20. 


260  X  REVIEW    OF  [Book  1. 

sion.  And,  even  in  his  more  intimate  discourses  with  his  disci- 
ples, he  taught  them  with  a  wise  and  gracious  accommodatij  i  to 
their  circumstances  and  weakness.*  The  full  explanation  oi  ma- 
ny things,  he  referred  to  the  time  when,  having  accomplished  his 
wihii,  and  returned  victorious  and  triumphant  into  heaven,  he 
should  send  down,  according  to  his  promise,  the  Holy  Spirit,  to 
enlighten  and  comfort  his  people.  Then,f  and  not  before,  they 
fuli^  understood  the  meaning  of  all  they  had  seen  and  heard  while 
he  was  with  them. 

2.  The  doctrine  of  the  Gospel  is  not  like  a  mathematical  prob- 
lem, which  conveys  precisely  the  same  degree  of  truth  and  cer- 
tainty to  every  one  that  understands  the  terms.  If  so,  all  believers 
would  be  equally  enlightened,  who  enjoy  the  common  privilege  of 
the  written  word.  But  there  is,  in  fact,  an  amazing  variety  in 
this  respect.  AVhere  this  doctrine  is  truly  understood,  though,  in 
the  lowest  degree,  it  inspires  the  soul  with  a  supreme  love  to  Je- 
sus, and  a  trust  in  him  for  salvation.  And  those  who  understand 
it  best  have  not  yet  received  all  the  evidence,  comfort,  and  influ- 
ence from  it  which  it  is  capable  of  affording.  The  riches  of  grace 
and  wisdom  in  this  dispensation  are  unsearchable|  and  immense, 
imparted  in  different  measures,  and  increased  from  time  to  time, 
according  to  the  good  pleasure*^  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  who  fur- 
nishes his  people  with  light  and  strength  proportioned  to  their  ex- 
igencies, situation,  and  the  services  or  trials  he  calls  thern  to ;  not 
without  respect  to  the  degree  of  their  diligence,  obedience,  and 
simplicity  in  waiting  upon  him.  For  these  reasons,  it  is  not  to 
be  expected  that  every  one  who  serves  God  with  his  spirit  in  the 
Gospel  of  his  Son,  should  have  exactly  the  same  views  of  this  sub- 
lime subject.  Neither  do  I  presume  to  think  myself  capable  of 
displaying  it  in  its  full  light  and  beauty.  I  desire,  therefore,  to 
write  with  candour,  and  entreat  a  candid  perusal,  as  conscious  of 
my  infirmities,  and  the  imperfections  necessarily  attending  the  hu- 
man mind  in  this  present  state  of  things.  Yet  1  am  not  afraid 
to  express  my  just  confidence,  that  I  shall  advance  no  principle, 
as  a  part  of  the  Gospel  doctrine,  which  does  not  assuredly  belong 
to  it. 


*  John  xvi.  12.  25,  Our  Lurd  taui^lit  liis  disciples  giadually  ;  their  knowl- 
pd^e  advanced  as  the  light,  or,  (according  to  his  own  beautiful  simile,)  first  the 
hl.tdc,  then  the  ear  ;  first  green  corn,  then  fully  ripe.  He  considered  their  diffi- 
culties, he  made  allowance  for  their  infirmitii.-s.  It  is  to  be  wished  his  example 
was  followed  by  all  w'ooTi-ich  in  his  name.  Some  are  so  hasty,  they  expect  to 
teach  to  others,  in  one.  disc;  .irse  or  interview,  all  that  they  have  attained  them- 
selves by  the  study  and  exnerience  of  many  years, 

)  Mark  ix.  1 0.     John  ii.  22.  t  Ephes.  iii.  8.  ^  i  Cor.  xii.  1 1 . 


Chap.    2.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  2(31 

I  now  proceed  to  explain  and  confirm  the  definition  I  have  giv- 
en of  the  Gospel. 

1.  It  is  a  divine  revelation,  a  discovery  of  truths  which,  thoif^h 
of  the  highest  moment,  could  have  been  known  no  ot'jor  way. 
That  God  will  forgive  sin,  is  beyond  the  power  of  un:lssi^ted  rea- 
son to  prove.  The  prevailing  custom  of  sacrifices  is,  indv.-d, 
founded  upon  such  a  hope  ;  but  this  practice  was,  without  dc  bt, 
derived  from  revelation,  for  reason  could  not  have  suggested  such 
an  expedient.  And  those  among  the  heathens,  whether  pri  :;ts 
or  philosophers,  who  spoke  of  forgiveness  of  sin,  knew  but  little 
what  sin  was.  Revelation  was  needful  to  discover  sin  in  its  true 
nature  and  demerit :  and  where  this  is  known,  tlie  awrd<eno.''.  and 
wounded  conscience  is  not  easily  persuaded  that  a  just  and  holy 
God  will  pardon  iniquity.  So,  likewise,  the  immortality  of  the 
soul,  after  all  the  fine  things  said  upon  the  subject,  remained  a 
problematical  point  among  the  heathen.  Their  best  arguments, 
though  conclusive  to  us,  were  not  so  to  themselves.*  When  they 
laid  aside  their  books,  and  returned  to  the  common  affairs  of  iJe, ' 
they  forgot  the  force  of  their  own  demonstrations.  But  the  Gos- 
pel of  Christ  is  an  express,  complete,  and  infallible  revelation,  as 
he  himself  often  assured  his  hearers. f 

And  as  the  subject-matter  of  the  Gospel  contained  in  the  New 
Testament  is  a  revelation  from  God,  so  it  is  only  by  a  divine 
revelation  that  what  is  there  read  or  heard  can  be  truly  under- 
stood. This  is  an  ofiensive  assertion,  but  must  not  be  omitted, 
when  the  question  is  concerning  the  marks  and  characters  of 
Christ's  doctrine.  Thus  when  Peter  made  that  noble  confession, f 
'  Thou  art  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God,'  our  Lord  answers, 
'  Blessed  art  thou,  Simon,  for  flesh  and  blood  hat!;  aot  revealed 
this  to  thee,  but  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven.'  If  Peter  could 
read,  and  had  the  Scriptures  to  peruse,  these  were  advantages 
derived  from  flesh  and  blood,  from  his  birth,  parents,  and  teach- 
ers ;  advantages  which  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  our  Lord's 
most  inveterate  enemies,  enjoyed  in  comriion  with  him.  The  differ- 
ence lay  in  a  revelation  of  the  truth  to  his  heart.  As  it  is  said  in 
another  place,§  '  Thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the  wise  and 
prudent,  and  revealed  them  unto  babes.' 

*  Cicero  frankly  fonfesses  tliis.  Nescio  quomodo,  diim  lego,  assentior  ;  cum 
posui  librum,  et  meciim  ipse  de  immortiiliialc  animoium  ccepi  cogitaie,  assentio 
oinnis  ilia  elabitur.     Tiisc.  Quest.  Lib.  i. 

f  John  vii.  16.     viii.  20.  j  JIatt.  xvi.  16,  17. 

V)  That  babes  should  be  admitted  to  this  knowledge,  and  express  a  certainty, 
where  the  wise  are  all  perplexity  and  darkness,  is  exs^iemcly  mortifying  to  iiu- 
nian  pride.  But  aie  not  these  the  words  of  Ci:'  •;  ?  I'  <.^  arrogant,  how  dan- 
gerous must  it  be  to  be  displeased  with  that  disncnsaliju  at  which  he  rejoiced  ! 


262  A  REVIEW  OF  [Book   1. 

2.  It  is  a  revelation,  in  the  person  of  Jesus  Christ.  As  a 
revelation,  it  stands  distinguished  from  all  false  religions  ;  and  as 
revealed  in  the  person  of  Jesus,  it  is  distinguished  from  all  for- 
mer dispensations  of  the  true  God,  who,  in  time  past,  had  spo- 
ken by  the  prophets,  but  was  pleased,  in  tiiose  last  dajs,  to  speak 
unto  us  by  his  Son.  The  law  was  given  by  Moses,  both  to  en- 
force tlie  necessity  of  a  universal  sinless  obedience,  and  to  point 
out  the  efficacy  of  a  better  mediator  ;  but  grace  and  truth,  grace 
answerable  to  the  sinner^s  guilt  and  misery,  and  the  truth  and  full 
accomplishment  of  all  its  typical  services,  came  by  Jesus  Christ. 
All  the  grand  peculiarities  of  the  GosjTel  centre  in  this  point,  the 
constitution  of  the  person  of  Christ.*  In  the  knowledge  of  him 
standeth  our  eternal  life.  And  though  our  Lord,  on  some  occa- 
sions, refused  to  answer  the  captious  ciuestions  of  his  enemies, 
and  expressed  himself  so  as  to  leave  his  hearers  in  suspense  :  yet, 
at  other  times,  he  clearly  asserted  his  own  just  rights  and  honours, 
and  proposed  himself  as  the  supreme  object  of  love,  trust,  and 
worship,  the  fountain  of  grace  and  power,  the  resurrection,  life, 
and  happiness  of  all  believers. 

That  he  vindicated  to  himself  those  characters  and  prerogatives 
which  incommunicably  belong  to  God,  is  evident  from  the  texts 
referred  to.  He  was  a  judge  of  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the 
heart. f  He  forgave  sins.  He  adopted  the  style  of  supreme  ma- 
jesty.J  His  wonderful  works  were  proof  of  an  almighty  power. 
He  restored  sight,  health,  and  life,  with  a  word.§  He  controlled 
the  elements,  II  and  showed  himselflT  Lord  of  quick  and  dead,  an- 
gels, and  devils  ;  and  both  his  enemies  and  his  friends  under- 
stood his  claim.  The  Jews  attempted  to  stone  him*''^  for  making 
himself  equal  to  God,  and  he  received  from  Thomas  the  most  ex- 
press and  solemn  ascription  of  Deity  that  can  be  oflered  from  a 
creature  to  his  Creator. ff 

Yet  all  this  glory  was  veiled.  The  word  was  made  flesh  ;  he 
assumed  the  human  nature,  and  shared  in  all  its  infirmities,  sin 
excepted.  He  was  born  of  a  woman,  he  passed  through  the 
states  of  infancy,  childhood,  and  youth,  and  gradually  increased 

*  Col.  ii.  .S,  9.     John  xvii.  S.  f  Matt.  ix.  2,  S. 

I  Jolin  viii.  ;38.  John  xiv.  9.  '  lie  that  hath  seen  me  liath  seen  my  Father.' 
Which  of  all  the  creatures  of  God  dare  use  these  words !  God,  in  the  strict  sense, 
is  invisible  and  inaccessible  :  but  he  communicates  with  his  creatures  through 
Christ  his  Son,  witliout  whom  he  cannot  be  seen  or  known  at  all.  We  cannot 
enjoy  any  spiritual,  clear,  and  comfortable  views  of  God,  unless  our  thoughts 
fix  upon  the  man  Chiist  Jesus  ;  he  is  tlie  door  and  the  veil  to  the  holy  of  holies, 
and  there  is  no  cominc  to  the  Father  by  any  other  way. 

^  Matt.  viii.  3.     ix.SO.     John  iv.  O.S.     "    ||  Matt.  xiv.  25.     Maik  iv.  .SO. 

II  John  xi.  2.^?,  44.     Luke  iv.  34.     Matt.  iv.  11.     Luke  x.  17. 
*■*  John  V.  18.     X.  S3.  t+  John  \\.  28. 


Chap.    2.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  2G'3 

in  wisdom  and  stature.*  He  was  often,  yea,  always  afllicted. 
He  enduredf  hunt^er,  tliirst,  and  weariness.  He;);  sighed,  he 
wept,  he  groaned,  he  bled,  he  died  ;  but  amidst  all,  he  was  spot- 
less and  nndefded.  He§  repelled  the  temptations  of  Satan,  he 
appealed  to  his  most  watciiful  enemies  for  his  integrity,  he  ren- 
dered nniversal,  unceasing  obedience  to  the  will  of  God,  and 
completely  fnlfdied  the  whole  law.  In  him  the  perfection  of  wis- 
dom and  goodness  shined  forth.  He  burned  with  love  to  God, 
with  compassion  to  men  ;  a  compassion  which  he  freely  extend- 
ed to  the  most  necessitous  and  most  unworthy.  He  returned 
good  for  evil,  wept||  for  his  enemies,  prayed  for  his  murderers. 
Such  was  his  character,  a  divine  person  in  the  human  nature,^ 
God  manifest  in  the  flesh.  And  from  this  union,  all  he  did,  and 
all  he  said,  derived  a  dignity,  authority,  and  efficacy  which  ren- 
dered him  every  way  worthy  to  be  the  Teacher,  Exemplar,  Lord, 
and  Saviour  of  mankind. 

3.  In  the  person  and  snflerings  of  Christ  there  is  at  once  a  dis- 
covery of  the  misery  of  fallen  man,  and  the  means  of  his  com- 
plete recovery.  It  has  already  been  observed,  that  tlie  full  ex- 
plication of  these  truths  was  deferred  till  after  his  resurrection  ; 
and  the  subsequent  writings  of  his  apostles  are  useful,  to  give  us  a 
complete  view  of  the  cause,  design,  and  benefits  of  his  passion. 
At  present  we  confine  ourselves  to  his  own  words.  He  frequent- 
ly** taught  the  necessity  and  certainty  of  his  sufferings  ;  he  spoke 
of  them  as  the  great  design  of  his  incarnation,  that  it  was  by  this 
means  he  should  draw-f-f  all  unto  himself,  that  he  was  on  this  ac- 
count, especially,  the  object  of  his  Father's  complacency,  be- 
cause he  voluntarily  substituted  himself  to  die  for  his  people. 
He  enforced  the  necessity||  of  believing  on  him  in  this  view  ; 
and  applied  to  himself  the  prophecies  of  the  Old  Testament, §>^ 
which  speak  to  the  same  purpose.  Isaiah  had  foretold  that  the 
Lord  would  lay  upon  him  the  iniquities  of  us  all  ;  that  he  was  to 
be  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  and  by  his  stripes  we  should 
be  healed.  Here,  then,  we  see  the  manifold  wisdom  of  God- 
His  inexpressible  love  to  us  commended  ;  his  mercy  exalted  in 
the  salvation  of  sinners  ;  his  truth  and  justice  vindicated,  in  the 
full  satisfaction  for  sin  exacted  from  the  surety  ;  his  glorious  holi- 
ness and  opposition  to  all  evil,  and  his  invariable  faithfulnes  to 
his  threatenings  and  his  promises.  Considered  in  this  light,  our 
Saviour's  passion  is  the  most  momentous,  instructive,  and  com- 

*  LuUe  ii.  5i2.  +  Mark  xi.  12.     John  iv.  6,  7.  I  3J:uk  vii.  34.      Joha 

xi.  35,  3S.  Luke  xxii.  41.  <^  Matt.  iv.  1.10.  John  viii.  46.  xiv.  SO. 
xvii.4.  llLuke\ix.41.  xxiii.  3].  H  1  Tim.  iii.  16.  **  3Iatt.  xvi.21- 
XX.  23.  ft  Johnxii.  .S^:.  :^.  17.  tt  John  iii.  14— 18.  '^^  Luk^  xxiv. 
^5—27.     Isa.  liii. 


264  A  REVIEW  OF  [Book  1. 

fortable  theme  that  can  aft'ect  the  heart  of  man  ;  but,  if  his  sub- 
stitution and  proper  atonement  are  denied,  the  whole  is  unintelli- 
gible. We  can  assign  no  sufficient  reason  why  a  person  of  his 
excellence  was  abandoned  to  such  miseries  and  indignities  ;  nor 
can  we  account  for  that  agony  and  distress  which  seized  him  at 
the  prospect  of  what  was  coming  upon  him.  it  would  be  high- 
ly injurious  to  his  character  to  suppose  he  was  thus  terrified 
bv  the  apprehension  of  death  or  bodily  pain,  when  so  many 
frrjj  and  sinful  men  have  encountered  death,  armed  with  the 
severest  tortures,  with  far  less  emotion. 

Here,  as  in  a  glass,  we  see  the  evil  of  sin,  and  the  misery 
of  man.  The  greatness  of  the  disorder  may  be  rationally  in- 
ferred from  the  greatness  of  the  means  necessary  to  remove 
it.  Would  we  learn  the  depth  of  the  fall  of  man,  let  us  con- 
sider the  depth  of  the  humiliation  of  Jesus  to  restore  him. 
Behold  the  Beloved  of  God,  perfectly  spotless  and  holy,  yet 
made  an  example  of  the  severest  vengeance  ;  prostrate  and 
aconizing  in  the  garden  ;  enduring  the  vilest  insults  from  wick- 
ed men  ;  torn  with  whips,  and  nails,  and  thorns  ;  suspended, 
naked,  wounded,  and  bleeding  upon  the  cross,  and  there  heavi- 
Jy  complaining  that  God  had,  for  a  season,  forsaken  him.  Sin 
was  the  cause  of  all  his  anguish.  He  stood  in  the  place  of 
sinners,  and,  therefore,  was  not  spared.  Not  any,  or  all,  the 
evils  which  the  world  has  known,  afford  such  proof  of  the  dread- 
ful effects  and  detestable  nature  of  sin,  as  the  knowledge  of 
Christ  crucified.  Sin  had  rendered  the  case  of  mankind  so 
utterly  desperate,  that  nothing  less  than  the  blood  and  death  of 
Jesus  could  retrieve  it.  If  any  other  expedient  could  have 
sufficed,  his  prayer,  that  the  bitter  cup  might  pass  from  him, 
would  have  been  answered.  But  what  his  enemies  intended  as 
the  keenest  reproach,  his  redeemed  people  will  for  ever  repeat 
as  the  expression  of  his  highest  praise,*  '  He  saved  others, 
himself  he  cannot  save.'  Justice  would  admit  no  inferior  atone- 
ment, love  would  not  give  up  the  cause  of  fallei\  ruined  man. 
Being,  therefore,  determined  to  save  others,  he  could  not,  con- 
sistently with  this  gracious  design  and  undertaking,  deliver 
himself. 

Again,  the  means  and  certainty  of  a  salvation  proportioned 
to  the  guilt  and  misery  of  sinners,  and  a  happiness  answera- 
ble to  the  utmost  capacity  of  the  soul  of  man,  are  revealed  in 
the  same  astonishing  dispensation  of  divine  love.  When  Jesus 
was  baptized  he  was  pointed  out  by  a  voice  from  heaven  ;f 
*  This  is   my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  (or  for    whose  sake)  1  an: 

*  Luke  xxiii.  5^).  +  Matt.  iii.  17. 


Chap.    2,]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  265 

'.veil  pleased.'  He  afterwards  proclaimed  his*  own  authority  and 
suiRciency,  that  all  things  were  delivered  into  his  hands,  and  in- 
vited every  weary,  heavy  laden  soul  to  seek  to  him  for  refresh- 
ment and  peace.  He  gave  the  most  express  assurances, f  that 
whoever  applied  to  him  should  in  no  case  be  rejected.  Hef 
mentioned  his  death  and  suflerings  as  the  principal  circumstan- 
ces that  should  engage  the  hearts  and  confirm  the  hopes  of  sin- 
ners. He  gave  repeated  promises  that  those  who  believe  in  him 
shall  never^^  perish,  that  neither  force  nor  fraud  should  frustrate 
his  intentions  in  their  favour ;  that  after  his  ascension  he  would 
send  the  Holy  Spiritj]  to  supply  his  bodil\-  presence  ;  that  his 
power,  grace,  and  providence,  should  be  with  his  people  to  the 
end  of  the  world  ;  and,  finally,  that  he  would  manage  theirlT 
concerns  in  heaven,  and  at  length  return  to  take  them  to  him- 
self, that  they  might  be  with  him  for  ever,  to  behold  and  to  share 
his  glory. 

4.  In  this  revelation  God  has  illustriously  displayed  the  glory 
of  his  free  grace.  The  miserable  and  guilty,  who  find  them- 
selves without  cither  plea  or  hope  but  what  the  Gospel  proclainjs 
by  Christ,  are  invited  without  exception,  and  received  without 
condition.  Though  they  have  been  the  vilest  oflenders,  they  are 
freely  accepted  in  the  Beloved,  and  none  of  their  iniquities  shall 
be  remembered  any  more.  On  the  contrary,  the  most  respectable 
characters  amongst  men  are  declared  to  be  of  no  avail  in  point  of 
acceptance  with  God  ;  but  in  this  respect  all  the  race  of  Adam 
are  upon  equal  terms,  and  must  be  involved  in  the  same  ruin, 
without  an  absolute  dependence  on  the  great  Mediator.  This  is 
an  illustrious  peculiarity  of  the  Gospel,  which  the  proud,  fallen 
nature  of  man  cannot  but  resist  and  find  fault  with,  till  the  con- 
science is  truly  aliected  with  the  guilt  and  demerit  of  sin.  The 
whole  tenour  of  our  Saviour's  ministry  was  suited  to  depreciate 
the  most  specious  attainments  of  those  who  trusted  in  themselves 
that  they  were  righteous,  and  to  encourage  all  who  felt  and  con- 
fessed themselves  to  be  miserable  sinners. 

Parceie  subjectis,  et  debellare  supeiboj. 

This  was  a  chief  cause  of  the  opposition  he  met  with  in  his 
own  person,  and  has  awakened  the  hatred  and  dislike  of  the  bulk 
of  mankind  against  his  doctrine  ever  since.  It  is  necessary, 
therefore,  to  confirm  it  by  proofs  which  cannot  be  evaded  by  any 
who  profess  to  acknowledge  him  to  be  a  teacher  sent  from  God. 

*M;itt.  xi.27,  28.         f  John  vi.  37.       t  John  xii.  32,  .S3.       ^  John  x, 'ik 
il  John  xvi.  7.  13,14.     Matt,  xxviii.  20.         ^  John  xiv.  3,  13.  14. 

Vol.  II.  34 


265  A  REVIEW  OF  [Book  1. 

He  was  daily  conversant  with  many  who  were  wise  and  right- 
eous in  their  own  eyes,  and  we  find  he  omits  no  opportunity  to 
expose  and  condemn  their  pretensions.  He  spake  one  parable 
purposely  to  persons  of  this  stamp,*  and  describes  a  Pharisee 
boasting  of  his  observance  of  the  law.  He  paid  tythes,  he  fasted, 
he  prayed,  he  was  not  chargeable  with  adultery  or  extortion. 
He  could  say  more  for  himself  than  many  can  who  afi'ect  to  be 
thought  religious.  But  the  poor  publican,  (though  despicable  in 
his  sight,)  who,  conscious  of  his  unworthiness,  durst  not  Jift  up 
his  eyes  to  heaven,  but  smote  upon  his  breast,  and  cried  for  mer- 
cy, was  in  a  happier  and  safer  condition  than  the  other  with  all 
his  boasted  obedience. 

Another  remarkable  instance  is  that  of  the  ruler,f  who  accosted 
our  Lord  in  a  respectful  manner,  asking  him  what  he  should  do 
to  inherit  eternal  life.  His  address  was  becoming,  his  inquiry 
seemed  sincere,  and  the  character  he  gave  of  himself  was  such  as 
men,  who  see  not  the  heart,  might  have  judged  exemplary  and 
praise-worthy.  When  our  Lord  referred  him  to  the  precepts  of 
the  law,  he  answered  that  he  had  kept  them  all  from  his  youth. 
Yet  one  thing,  we  read,  was  wanting.  What  could  this  one  thing 
be,  which  rendered  so  fair  a  character  of  no  value?  We  may 
collect  it  from  the  event.  He  wanted  a  deep  sense  of  his  need  of 
a  Saviour.  If  he  had  been  possessed  of  this  one  thing,  he  would 
willingly  have  relinquished  all  to  follow  Jesus.  But  ignorant  of 
the  spirituality  of  the  law,  he  trusted  to  a  defective  obedience ; 
and  the  love  of  the  world  prevailing  in  his  heart,  he  chose  rather 
to  part  with  Christ  than  with  his  possessions. 

On  the  other  hand,  how  readily  our  Lord  received  sinners,  noto- 
rious sinners,  who  were  vile  to  a  proverb,  appears  from  the  remark- 
able account  given  by  Luke  J  of  a  woman  whose  character  had  been 
so  infamous  that  the  Pharisee  wondered  that  Jesus  could  permit 
her  to  touch  him.  But  though  a  great  sinner,  she  found  great  for- 
giveness ;  therefore  she  loved  much  and  wept§  much.  She  had 
nothing  to  say  for  herself;  but  Jesus  espoused  her  cause,  and  pro- 
nounced her  pardon.  He  likewise  silenced  the  proud  caviller  by 
a  parable,  that  sweetly  illustrates  the  freeness  and  genuine  effect  of 
the  grace  of  God,  which  can  only  be  possessed  or  prized  by  those 
who  see  they  must  perish  without  it. 

*  Luke  xviii.  9—14.       f  Matt.  xix.  IG.  Luke  xviii.  18.       J  Luke  vii.  B7. 

'^  She  washed  his  feet  with  tears.  H^|a7o  B^£-)(Siv,  She  began  to  rain  tears 
upon  his  feet.  Her  head  was  waters,  and  her  eyes  fountains.  To  receive  a  free 
pardon  of  many  sins,  a  pardon  bonght  with  blood — 'tis  this  causes  the  heart  to 
melt,  and  the  eyes  to  flow. 


Chap.  2.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  261 

And  this  was  the  general  effect  of  his  preaching.  Publicans 
and  sinners  thronged  to  hear  him,  received  his  doctrine,  and 
found  rest  for  their  souls.  As  this  discrimination  gave  a  general 
offence,  he  took  occasion  to  deliver  the  parable  of  the  prodigal  ;* 
in  the  former  part  of  which  he  gives  a  most  endearing  view  of  the 
grace  of  God,  in  pardoning  and  accepting  the  most  undeserving. 
He  afterwards,  in  the  close,  shows  the  pride,  stubbornness,  and 
enmity  of  the  self-righteous  Pharisees,  under  the  character  of  the 
elderf  brother.  While  his  language  and  deportment  discovered 
the  disobedience  and  malice  of  his  heart,  he  pretended  that  he 
had  never  broke  his  father's  commands.  The  self-condemned 
sinner,  when  he  first  receives  hope  of  pardon,  experiences  a  joy 
and  peace  in  believing  :  this  is  represented  by  the  feast  and  fatted 
calf.  But  the  religious,  orderly  brother  had  never  received  so 
much  as  a  kid.  He  had  found  no  true  conifort  in  all  his  formal 
round  of  duties;  and  therefore  was  exceedingly  angry  that  the 
prodigal  should  at  once  obtain  those  marks  of  favour  which  he, 
who  had  remained  with  his  father,  had  been  always  a  stranger  to. 

But  the  capital  exemplification  of  this,  and  indeed  of  every 
doctrine  of  the  Gospel,  is  contained  in  the  account  given  of  the 
thief  J  upon  the  cross  ;  a  passage  which  has,  perhaps,  been  more 
mistaken  and  misrepresented  by  commentators,  than  any  other  in 
the  New  Testament.  The  grace  of  God  has  shone  so  bright  in 
this  instance,  that  it  has  dazzled  the  eyes  even  of  good  men. 
They  have  attempted  to  palliate  the  offender's  crime,  or  at  least, 
to  suppose  that  this  w  as  the  first  fault  of  the  kind  he  had  commit- 
ted ;  that  perhaps  he  had  been  surprised  into  it,  and  might,  in 
other  respects,  have  been  of  a  fairer  character.  They  conjecture 
that  this  was  the  first  time  he  had  heard  of  Jesus,  and  that  there 
was  not  only  some  sort  of  merit  in  his  faith  and  confession  under 
these  circumstances,  but  that  the  death  of  Jesus  happily  coinciding 
with  his  own,  afforded  him  an  advantage  peculiar  to  himself;  and 
that,  therefore,  this  was  an  exempt  case,  and  not  to  be  drawn  into 
a  precedent  to  after-times. 

If  it  was  my  professed  design  to  comment  upon  this  malefac- 
tor's case,  I  should  consider  it  in  a  different  light.     The  nature  of 

*  Luke  XV.  11. 

\  It  may  be  objected  to  this  interpietation,  that  the  father  speaks  to  the  elder 
brother  in  terms  of  complacence.  "  Son,  thou  art  ever  with  me,  and  all  that  I 
have  is  tliine."  But  this  is  not  the  only  place  where  our  Lord  addresses  the  Phar- 
isees in  their  own  style,  according  to  the  opinion  they  conceived  of  themselves. 
Thus,  MaU.  viii.  12,  he  says,  "The  children  of  the  kingdom  shall  be  cast  out  in- 
fo outer  darkness" — he  does  not  mean  those  who  were  truly  the  children  of  the 
kingdom,  but  those  who  pretended  to  be  so. 

t  Luke  xxiii.  39—43. 


26B  A  REVIEW    OF  [Book  1. 

his  punishment,  which  was  seldom  inflicted  but  on  those  who 
were  judged  the  most  atrocious  criminals,  makes  it  more  than 
probable  that  he  did  not  suffer  for  a  first  offence.  Nor  was  he 
simply  a  thief.  The  history  of  those  times  abounds  with  the  mis- 
chiefs committed  by  public  robbers,  who  used  to  join  in  conside- 
rable bands  for  rapine  and  murder,  and  commit  the  greatest 
excesses.  In  all  likelihood,  the  malefactors  crucified  with  Jesus 
were  of  this  sort,  accomplices  and  equals  in  guilt,  and,  therefore, 
judged  to  die  together,  receiving  (as  appears  by  the  criminal's  own 
confession  on  the  cross)  the  just  reward  of  their  deeds.*  Here 
was,  indeed,  a  fair  occasion  to  show  the  sovereignty  and  triumph 
of  grace,  contrasted  with  the  most  desperate  pitch  of  obdurate 
wickedness  ;  to  show  on  the  one  hand,  that  the  compassion  and 
the  power  of  Christ  were  not  diminished  when  his  suflerings  were 
at  the  height,  and  he  seemed  abandoned  to  his  enemies  ;  and,  on 
the  other,  the  insufficiency  of  any  means  to  change  a  sinner's 
heart  without  the  powerful  efficacy  of  divine  grace.  The  one 
malefactor,  brought,  at  length,  to  deserved  punishment,  far  from 
repenting  of  his  crimes,  regardless  of  his  immediate  appearance 
before  God,  thought  it  some  relaxation  of  his  torments,  to  join 
with  the  barbarous  multitude  in  reviling  Jesus,  who  hung  upon  a 
cross  by  his  side.  He  was  not  ignorant  that  Jesus  was  put  to 
death  for  professing  himself  the  Messiah  ;  but  he  upbraided  him 
with  his  character,  and  treated  him  as  an  impostor.  In  this  man 
we  see  the  progress,  wages,  and  eflects  of  sin.  His  wickedness 
brought  him  to  a  terrible  end,  and  sealed  him  up  under  a  fatal 
hardness  of  heart,  so  that  he  died  desperate,  though  Jesus  Christ 
wasf  crucified  before  his  eyes.  But  his  companion  was  impressed 
by  what  he  saw  ;  his  heart  relented.  He  observed  the  patience 
of  the  divine  Sufferer ;  he  heard  him  pray  for  his  murderers  :  he 
felt  himself  miserable,  and  feared  the  God  with  whom  he  had  to 
do.  In  this  distress  he  received  faith  to  apply  to  Jesus,  and  his 
prayer  was  graiited  and  exceeded.  He  who  sent  the  fair-spoken 
ruler  away  sorrowful,  answered  the  first  desire  of  a  malefactor  at 
the  point  of  death  ;  '  This  day  thou  shall  be  with  me  in  Paradise.' 
This   certainly  was   an   instance   of  free,    distinguishing  grace. 

*  It  seems  piobiible,  from  the  histoiy,  that  those  were  of  Barabbas's  gang. 
They  had  made  an  insunection,  coiDiuitted  murder,  and  were,  with  then- ring- 
leader, convicted  and  condemned.  He,  in  dishonour  to  Jesus,  was  spared,  whilst 
these,  his  accomplices,  were  executed  witli  liim. 

f  Comp.  31att  xxvii.  S9.  How  can  it  be  expected  that  no  more  than  a  con- 
stant repetition  ofCluist'sdeatli,  should  be  an  invincible  means  of  changing  the 
heart,  when  the  actual  sight  of  liis  sufferings  was  attended  with  so  little  etiect  ? 
Sin  must  be  felt  as  the  disease  and  ruin  of  the  soul,  and  the  sufferings  of  Jesus, 
acknowledged  as  the  only  possible  remedy,  before  we  can  truly  sympathize  with 
him,  and  say,  I  am  crucified  with  Christ. ' 


Chap.  2.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  Jt)!? 

Here  was  salvation  bestowed  upon  one  of  the  vilest  sinners, 
through  faith  in  Jesus,  without  previous  works,  or  a  possibility  of 
pertbnning;  any.  iVnd  as  such,  it  is  I'ecorded  tor  the  encourage- 
ment of  all  who  see  themselves  destitute  of  righteousness  and 
strength,  and  that,  like  the  thief  on  the  cross,  they  have  no  refuge 
or  Ijope  but  in  the  free  mercy  of  God  through  Christ. 

5.  The  medium,  by  which  the  Gospel  becomes  the  power  of 
God  unto  salvation,  is  Faith.  By  faith  we  do  not  mean  a  ban 
assent,  founded  upon  testimony  and  rational  evidence  that  the  facts 
recorded  in  the  jYew  Testament  are  true.  A  faith  of  this  sort  ex- 
perience proves  to  be  consistent  with  a  wicked  life ;  whereas  the 
Gospel-faith  purifies  the  heart,  and  overcomes  the  world.  Neither 
do  we  mean  a  confidence  of  the  forgiveness  of  sin  impressed  upon 
the  mind  in  a  sudden  and  instantaneous  manner.  Faith  is,  in- 
deed, founded  upon  the  strongest  evidence,  and  may  oiten  be 
confirmed  by  inetlable  manifestaiions  from  the  Fountain  of  light 
and  comfort ;  but  tiie  discriminating  property  of  true  faith  is  a 
reliance  upon  Jesus  Christ  for  all  the  ends  and  purposes  for  lohich 
the  Gospel  reveals  him  ;  such  as  the  pardon  of  sin,  peace  of  con- 
science, strength  (or  obedience,  and  eternal  life.  It  is  wrought 
by  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  presupposes  a  knowledge 
of  him  and  of  ourselves ;  of  our  indigence,  and  his  fulness ;  our 
unworthiness,  and  his  merits;  our  weakness,  and  his  power.  The 
true  believer  builds  upon  the*  person  and  word  of  Christ  as  the 
foundation  of  his  hope  ;  he  enters  by  liim  as  the  onlyf  door  to  the 
knowledge,  communion,  and  love  of  God  ;  he  feeds  upon  him  by 
faith  in  his  heart,  with  thanksgiving,  asj  the  bread  of  life  ;  he  em- 
braces his  righteousness  as  the  wedding||  garment,  whereby  alone 
he  expects  admission  to  the  marriage-feast  of  heaven.  He  de- 
rives all  his  strength  and  comfort  from  his  influence,  as  the 
branch^^  from  the  root.  He  intrusts  himself  to  his  care,  as  the 
wise  and  good  shepherdlT  of  his  soul.  Sensible  of  his  own  igno- 
rance, defects,  and  his  many  enemies,  he  receives  Christ**  as  his 
teacher,  priest,  and  king ;  obeys  his  preceptor,  confides  on  his 
mediation,  expects  and  enjoys  his  powerfid  protection.  In  a  word, 
he  renounces  all  confidcnceff  in  the  flesh,  and  rejoices  in  Christ 
Jesus  as  his  Saviour;  and  thus  he  attains  to  worship  God  inspirit 
and  in  truth,  is  supported  through  all  the  conflicts  and  trials  of 
life,  possesses  a  stable  peace  in  the  midst  of  u  changing  world, 
goes  on  from  strength  to  strength,  and  is,  at  length,  made  more 
than  conqueror,  through  him  that  has  loved  him.     This  is  the  life 


■^3Iatt.  vii.  24.     xvi.  18. 

t  John  X.  9. 

J  John  vi.  y4 — 57. 

II  Matt. 

xxii.  11.     Roia.  xiii.  14. 

<>  John  XV.  4, 5.  ' 

•^Johnx.  14. 

^'^Johnvi 

«8.         If  Phil.  iii.  .^. 

270  A  REVIEW  OJT  [Book  1. 

of  faith.  The  degree  and  exercise  of  it  is  various  in  different 
persons,  and  in  the  same  person  at  different  times ;  (as  has  been 
already  hinted ;)  hut  the  principle  itself  is  universal,  permanent, 
and  efiicacious  in  all  thai  truly  believe.  And  nothing  less  than 
this  faith  is  sufficient  to  give  any  man  a  right  to  the  name  of  a 
Christian. 

G.  The  final  cause,  or  great  ends  of  the  Gospel  respecting  man, 
are*  holiness  and  happiness ;  the  complete  restoration  of  the  soul 
to  the  favour  and  image  of  God,  or  eternal  life  begun  here,  to  be 
consummated  in  glory.  What  has  been  already  said  renders  it 
needless  to  enlarge  upon  this  head.  Nor  shall  we  concern  our- 
selves here  to  vindicate  this  doctrine  we  have  laid  down  from  the 
charge  of  licentiousness  ;  because  it  is  our  professed  design  in  the 
progress  of  this  work  to  prove,  from  the  history  of  the  church,  not 
only  that  these  principles,  when  rightl}' understood,  will  infallibly 
produce  obedience  and  submission  to  the  whole  will  of  God,  but 
that  these  only  can  do  it.  Wherever  and  whenever  the  doctrines 
of  free  grace  and  justification  by  faith  have  prevailed  in  the  Chris- 
tian Church,  and  according  to  the  degree  of  clearness  with  which 
they  have  been  enforced,  the  practical  duties  of  Christianity  have 
flourished  in  the  same  proportion.  Wherever  they  have  declined, 
or  been  tempered  with  the  reasonings  and  expedients  of  men,  ei- 
ther from  a  well-meant,  though  mistaken  fear,  lest  they  should  be 
abused,  or  from  a  desire  to  accommodate  the  Gospel,  and  render 
it  more  palatable  to  the  depraved  taste  of  the  world,  the  conse- 
quence has  always  been  an  equal  declension  in  practice.  So  long 
as  the  Gospel  of  Christ  is  maintained  without  adulteration,  it  is 
found  sufficient  for  every  valuable  purpose  ;  but  when  the  wisdom 
of  man  is  permitted  to  add  to  the  perfect  w  ork  of  God,  a  w  ide 
door  is  opened  for  innumerable  mischiefs — the  divine  commands 
are  made  void,  new  inventions  are  continually  taking  place,  zeal 
is  diverted  into  a  wrong  channel,  and  the  greatest  stress  laid  upon 
things,  either  unnecessary  or  unwarrantable.  Hence  perpetual 
occasion  is  given  for  strife,  debates,  and  divisions,  till,  at  length, 
the  spirit  of  Christianity  is  forgot,  and  the  power  of  godliness  lost, 
amidst  fierce  contentions  for  the  form. 

To  sum  up  this  inquiry  in  lew  words.  The  Gospel  is  a  wise 
and  gracious  dispensation,  equally  suited  to  the  necessities  of  man, 
and  to  the  perfections  of  God.  It  proclaims  relief  to  the  misera- 
ble, and  excludes  none  but  those  who  exclude  themselves.  It  con- 
vinces a  sinner  that  he  is  unworthy  of  the  smallest  merc}^,  at  the 
same  time  that  it  gives  him  a  confidence  to  expect  the  greatest. 
It  cuts  off  all  pretence  of  glorying  in  the  flesh,  but  it  enables  a 

*  Matt.  i.  21.  XXV.  84.    John  xvii.  £4, 


Chap.  3.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTOUY.  271 

guilty  sinner  to  glory  in  God.*  To  them  that  have  no  might  it 
increases  strength  ;  it  gives  eyes  to  the  blind,  and  feet  to  the 
lame  ;  subdues  the  enmity  of  tiie  heart,  shows  the  nature  of  sin, 
the  spirituality  and  sanction  of  the  law  with  the  fullest  evidence, 
and  by  exhibiting  Jesus  as  made  of  God.  wisdom,  righteousness, 
sanctification,  and  redemption  to  all  who  believe,  it  makes  obedi- 
ence practicable,  easy,  and  delightful.  The  constraining  love  of 
Christ  engages  the  heart  and  every  faculty  in  his  service.  His 
example  illustrates  and  recommends  his  precepts,  his  presence  in- 
spires courage  and  activity  under  every  pressure,  and  the  prospect 
of  the  glory  to  be  revealed  is  a  continual  source  of  joy  and  peace 
which  passeth  the  understanding  of  the  natural  man.  Thus  the 
Goi-pel  filleth  the  hungry  with  good  things,  but  it  sendeth  the  rich 
and  self-sufficient  empty  away,  and  leaves  the  impenitent  and  un- 
believing in  a  state  of  aggravated  guilt  and  condemnation. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Concerning  the  true  ground  of  the  opposition  our  Lord  met  with  in  the  coursi 
of  his  ininistry  ;  and  the  objections  and  artifices  his  enemies  employed  to 
prejudice  the  people  against  him,  and  prevent  the  reception  of  his  doctrine. 

If  our  knowledge  of  the  history  of  Jesus  was  confined  to  the 
excellence  of  his  character,  and  the  diffusive  goodness  that  shone 
forth  in  all  his  actions,  we  should  hardly  conceive  it  possible  that 
any  people  could  be  so  lost  to  gratitude  and  humanity  as  to  oppose 
him.  He  went  about  doing  good  :  he  raised  the  dead,  healed 
every  disease,  and  relieved  the  distresses  of  all  who  applied  to 
him,  without  any  difference  of  cases,  characters,  or  parties  ;  as 
the  sun,  with  a  rich  and  unwearied  profusion,  fills  every  eve  with 
his  light.  Wisdom  flowed  from  his  lips,  and  his  whole  conduct 
was  perfect  and  inculpable.  How  natural  is  it  to  expect  that  a 
person  so  amiable  and  benevolent,  so  blameless  and  exemplary, 
should  have  been  universally  revered  !* 

*  The  heathen  moralists  have  supposed  that  there  is  sonu'thing  so  amiable  in 
virtue,  that,  could  it  be  visible,  it  would  necessarily  attract  the  love  and  admira- 
tion of  all  beholders.  This  sentiment  has  been  generally  admired  ;  and  we 
need  not  wonder,  since  it  flatters  tlie  pride  of  man  without  thwarting  his  pas- 
sions. In  the  Lord  Jesus  this  great  desideratum  was  vouchsafed  :  virtue  and 
goodness  were  pleased  to  become  visible,  were  manifest  in  the  flesh.  But  did 
the  experiment  answer  to  the  ideas  of  the  philosophers  ?  Alas  !  to  the  reproach 
of  mankind,  Jews  and  Gentiles  conspired  to  treat  him  with  the  utmost  contempt. 
They  loved  darkness,  and  therefore  could  not  bear  the  light.  They  had  more 
compassion  and  afiection  for  the  most  infamous  malefactor  ;  therefore,  when  the 
alternative  was  proposed  to  them,  they  released  Barabbas,  a  robber  and  a  mur- 
derer, and  nailed  Jesus  and  virtue  to  tiie  cross. 


272  A  REVIEW  OP  [Book  i. 

But  we  Hue],  in  fact,  it  was  far  otherwise.  Instead  of  the  hon- 
ours he  justly  deserved,  the  returns  he  met  with  were  reproach, 
persecution,  and  death.  The  wonders  of  his  power  and  good- 
ness were  mahciously  ascribed  to  Satan  ;  he  was  branded  as  an 
impostor,  madman,  and  demoniac  ;  he  was  made  the  sport  of  ser- 
vants and  soldiers,  and  at  length  publicly  executed,  with  every 
possible  circumstance  of  ignominy  and  torture,  as  a  malefactor  of 
the  worst  sort. 

What  could  be  the  cause  and  motives  of  sncii  injurious  treat- 
ment ?  This  is  the  subject  of  our  present  inquiry.  It  might,  in- 
deed, be  answered  very  briefly  (as  it  has  been)  by  ascribing  it  to 
the  peculiar  wickedness  and  perverseness  of  the  Jews.  There  is 
not  a  fallacy  more  frequent  or  pleasing  to  the  minds  of  men  than, 
while  they  act  contrary  to  present  dut}',  to  please  themselves  with 
imagining  how  well  they  would  have  behaved  in  another  situa- 
tion, or  a  different  age.  They  think  it  a  mark  of  virtue  to  con- 
demn the  wickedness  of  former  times,  not  aware  thai  they  them- 
selves are  governed  by  the  same  spirit.  Thus  these  very  Jews 
spoke  highly  of  the  persons  of  the  prophets,  while  they  rejected 
their  testimony  ;  and  blamed  their  forefathers  for  shedding  inno- 
cent blood,  at  the  same  time  they  were  thirsting  for  the  blood  of 
Jesus.*  It  is  equally  easy,  at  present,  to  condemn  the  treachery 
of  Judas,  the  cowardice  of  Pilate,  the  blindness  of  the  people,  and 
the  malice  of  the  priests,  who  were  all  personally  concerned  in 
the  death  of  Christ.  It  is  easy  to  think,  that  if  we  had  seen  his 
works  and  heard  his  words,  we  would  not  have  joined  with  the 
multitude  in  crying.  Crucify  him  :  though,  it  is  to  be  feared, 
many,  who  thus  flatter  themselves,  have  little  less  enrait}' against  his 
person  and  doctrine  than  his  actual  murderers.  On  this  account, 
1  shall  give  a  detail  of  the  true  reasons  why  Christ  was  opposed 
in  the  flesh,  and  of  the  measures  employed  against  him,  in  order 
to  show  that  the  same  grounds  of  opposition  are  deeply  rooted  in 
the  fallen  human  nature  ;  and  how  probable  it  is,  that  if  he  was  to 
appear  again  in  the  same  obscure  manner,  in  any  country  now 
called  by  liis  name,  he  would  meet  with  little  better  treatment,  un- 
less when  the  constitution  and  laws  of  a  civil  government  might 
interpose  to  prevent  it. 

But  it  ma}'  be  proper,  in  the  first  place,  briefly  to  delineate  the 
characters  of  the  sects  or  parties  mentioned  by  the  evangelists, 
whose  leaders,  jointly  and  separately,  both  from  common  and 
distinct  motives,  opposed  our  Saviour's  ministry,  and  cavilled  at 
his  doctrine.  Thesef  were  the  Pharisees,  Sadducees,  and  He- 
rodians. 

•*  Malt,  xxiii.  £9, 30.     f  See  Matt,  xxiii.  Mark  vii.  13.  Luke  xviii.  9—1) 


Chap.  3.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  2t3 

The  Pharisees,  including  the  Scribes,  (who  were  chiefly  of  this 
sect,)  were  professedly  the  guardians  of  the  law,  and  public 
teachers  of  the  people.  They  were  held  in  high  veneration  by  the 
common  people,  for  the  austerity  of  their  deportment,  the  frequen- 
cy of  their  devotions,  and  their  exactness  in  the  less  essential 
parts  of  the  law.  They  observed  the  traditions  of  the  elders 
were  still  adding  to  them  ;  and  the  consequence  was,  (as  it 
will  always  be  in  such  a  case,)  that  they  were  so  pleased  with 
their  own  inventions  as  to  prefer  them  to  the  positive  commands 
of  God;  and  their  studious  punctuality  in  trifles  withdrew  theif 
regard  from  the  most  important  duties.  Their  specious  show  of 
piety  was  a  fair  outside,  under  which  the  grossest  abominations 
were  concealed  and  indulged.  They  were  full  of  pride,  and  a 
high  conceit  of  their  own  goodness.  They  fasted  and  prayed,  to 
be  seen  and  esteemed  of  men.  They  expected  reverence  and 
homage  from  all,  and  challenged  the  highest  titles  of  respect,  to 
be  saluted  as  doctors  and  masters,  and  to  be  honoured  with  the 
principal  seats  in  all  assemblies.  Many  of  them  made  their  sol- 
emn exterior  a  cloak  for  extortion  and  oppression  ;  and  the  rest, 
if  not  hypocrites  in  the  very  worst  sense,  yet  deceived  both  them^ 
selves  and  others  by  a  form  of  godliness,  when  they  were,  in  ef- 
fect, enslaved  by  their  passions,  and  lived  according  to  the  corrupt 
rule  of  their  own  imaginations. 

The  Sadducees,  their  antagonists  and  rivals,  were  equall}''!, 
though  difterently,  remote  from  the  true  knowledge  and  worship 
of  God.  They  not  only  rejected  the  tradition  of  the  elders,  but  a 
great  part  of  the  Scriptures  likewise,  and  admitted  only  the  five 
books  of  Moses  as  of  divine  authority.  From  this  circumstance, 
together  with  the  difllculty*  they  proposed  t«  our  Lord,  and  the 
answers  he  gave  them,  it  appears  that  they  were  persons  who, 
professing,  in  general  terms,  to  acknowledge  a  revelation  from 
God,  yet  made  their  own  prejudices  and  mistakes,  under  the  dig- 
nified name  of  reason,  the  standard  to  determine  what  books 
should  be  received  as  authentic,  and  in  what  sense  they  should  be 
understood.  The  doctrine  of  a  resurrection  did  not  accord  witli 
their  notions  ;  therefore  they  rejected  it,  togetherf  with  those 
parts  of  Scripture  which  asserted  it  most  expressly.  Their  ques- 
tion concerning  the  seven    bretliren,    seems  to   have  been  a  trite 

*  Matt.  xxii.  23.     Acts  xxiii.  8. 

f  That  the  Sadducees  received  only  the  law  of  Moses,  is  the  general  opinion; 
though  I  do  not  say  that  it  has  been  either  indubitably  proved  or  universally 
held.  That  they  put  their  own  sense  upon  the  Scriptures,  (whether  in  whole 
or  in  part,)  which  they  did  profess  to  receive,  is  manifest,  from  their  asserting 
that  there  is  no  resurrection,  neither  angel,  nor  spirit ;  a  tenet  which  contradicts 
not  one  or  a  few  texts,  but  the  whole  strain  and  tenour  both  of  the  law  and  the 
prophets. 

Vol.  II.  35 


274  A  REVIEW  OF  [Book  I  < 

objection,  which  they  had  often  made,  and  which  had  never  been 
answered  to  satisfaction  till  our  Lord  resolved  it.  But  the  whole 
difficulty  was  founded  upon  lalse  principles,  and  when  these  were 
removed,  all  fell  to  the  ground  at  once.  From  this,  however,  we 
may  learn  their  characteristic.  They  were  the  cautious  reason- 
ers  of  those  times,  who  valued  themselves  on  examining  every 
thing  closely,  refusing  to  be  influenced  by  the  plausible  sounds  of 
antiquity  and  authority. 

The  Herodians*  were  those  who  endeavoured  to  ingratiate 
themselves  with  Herod.  It  is  most  probable  that  they  received 
their  name  and  distinction,  not  so  much  from  any  peculiar  senti- 
ments, as  from  attempting  to  accommodate  their  religion  to  the 
circumstances  of  the  times.  The  Pharisees,  boasting  of  their 
privileges  as  the  children  of  Abraham,  could  hardly  brook  a  fo- 
reign yoke  ;  but  the  Herodians,  from  motives  of  interest,  were  ad- 
vocates for  Herod  and  the  Roman  power.  Thus  they  were  oppo- 
site to  the  Pharisees  in  political  matters,  as  the  Sadducees  were 
in  points  of  doctrine.  And  therefore  the  question  concerning 
tribute  was  proposed  to  our  Lord  jointly  by  the  Pharisees  and 
Herodians  :  the  former  designing  to  render  him  obnoxious  to  the 
people  if  he  allowed  of  tribute  ;  the  latter  to  accuse  him  to  the 
government  if  he  refused  it. 

From  what  has  been  said,  it  is  evident  the  leading  principles 
of  these  sects  were  not  peculiar  to  themselves.  Th6y  may  rather 
be  considered,  universally,  as  specimens  of  the  difl'erent  appear- 
ances a  religious  profession  assumes,  where  the  heart  is  not  divine-* 
ly  enlightened  and  converted  to  the  love  of  the  truth.  In  all  such 
persons,  however  high  the  pretence  of  religion  may  be  carried,  it 
cannot  proceed  from  a  nobler  principle,  or  aim  at  a  nobler  object 
than  self.  These  dispositions  have  appeared  in  every  age  and 
form  of  the  Christian  church,  and  are  always  active  to  oppose  the 
self-denying  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  upon  diflerent  pretences. 
The  man  who,  fond  of  his  attainments  and  scrupulous  exactness 
in  externals,  despises  all  who  will  not  conform  to  his  rules,  and 
challenges  peculiar  respect  on  account  of  his  superior  goodness,  is 
a  proud  Pharisee.  His  zeal  is  dark,  envious  and  bitter ;  1)1* 
obedience  partial  and  self-willed  ;  and,  while  he  boasts  of  the 
knowledge  of  God,  his  heart  rises  with  enmity  at  the  grace  of  the 
Gospel,  which  he  boldly  charges  with  opening  a  door  to  licentious- 
ness. The  modern  Sadducee  (like  those  ofold)  admits  of  a  rev- 
elation ;  but  then,  full  of  his  own  wisdom  and  importance,  he 
arraigns  even  the  revelation  he  seems  to  allow  at  the  bar  of  his 
narrow  judgment  ;  and  as  the  sublime  doctrines  of  truth  pass  nii- 

*3Iait.  xxii,  16.     Mark  iii.  6. 


Chap.  3.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  275 

der  his  review,  he  affixes,  without  liesitalion,  the  epithets  of  ab- 
surd, inconsistent,  and  blasphemous,  to  whatever  thwarts  his 
pride,  prejudice,  and  ignorance.  And  those  parts  of  Scripture 
vvhich  cannot  be  warped  to  speak  his  sense,  he  discards  from  his 
canon  as  interpolated  and  supposititious.  The  Herodian  is  the 
man,  however  denominated  or  dignified,  who  is  governed  bv 
interest,  tis  the  others  by  pride,  and  vainly  endeavours  to  recon- 
cile the  incompatible  services  of  God  and  the  world,  Christ  and 
Belial,  He  avoids  the  excesses  of  religious  parties,  speaks  in 
terms  of  moderation,  and  is  not  unwilling  to  be  accounted  the 
patron  and  friend  of  sobriet}'  and  religion.  He  stands  fair  with 
all  who  would  be  religious  upon  cheap  teims,  and  fair  in  his  own 
esteem,  having  numbers  and  authority  on  his  side.  Thus  he  al- 
most persuades  himself  he  has  carried  his  point,  and  that  it  is  not 
so  impossible  to  serve  two  masters  as  our  Lord's  words  seem  to 
import.  But  the  preaching  of  the  pure  Gospel,  which  enforces 
the  one  thing  needful,  and  will  admit  of  no  compliances  Avith 
worldly  interests,  interferes  with  his  plans,  and  incurs  his  resent- 
ment likewise  though,  perhaps,  he  will  show  his  displeasure  by 
more  refined  and  specious  methods  than  the  clamorous  rage  of 
hot  bigotry  has  patience  to  wait  for. 

We  now  proceed.  The  first  great  cause  why  Jesus  was  rejec- 
ted by  those  to  whom  he  appealed,  may  be  deduced  from  the 
tenour  of  his  doctrine,  a  summary  of  \a  hich  has  been  given  in 
the  former  chapter.  It  ofiended  the  pride  of  the  Pharisees,  was 
repugnant  to  the  wise  infidelity  of  the  Saducees,  and  condemned 
the  pliant  temper  of  the  Herodians.  The  doctrines  of  free  grace, 
faith,  and  spiritual  obedience,  were  diametrically  opposite  to 
iheir  inclinations.  They  must  have  parted  with  all  they  ad- 
mired and  loved  if  they  had  complied  with  him  ;  but  this  is 
a  sacrifice  too  great  for  any  to  make  who  had  not  deeply  felt 
and  known  their  need  of  a  Saviour.  These,  on  the  contrary, 
were  the  whole,  who  saw  no  want  of  a  physician,  and  therefore 
treated  the  offers  with  contempt. 

Besides,  their  dislike  to  his  doctrine  was  increased  by  his  man- 
ner of  enforcing  it.  He  spoke  with  authority,  and  sharply  re- 
buked the  hypocrisy,  ignorance,  ambition,  and  avarice  of  those 
persons  who  were  accounted  the  wise  and  the  good,  who  sat  in 
Moses's  chair,  and  had  hitherto  been  heard  and  obeyed  with  rev- 
erence. But  Jesus  exposed  their  true  characters  ;  he  spoke  of 
them  as  blind  guides  ;  he*    compared  them  to  '  painted  sepul- 

"  Matt,  xxiii.  27.  Nothing  is  more  loathsome  to  our  senses  than  a  corpse 
ill  a  state  of  putrefaction,  or  a  more  striking  contrast  to  the  outside  of  a  sump- 
tuous urnamentcd  monument.     Perhaps  the  visible  creation  does  aot  aflbrd  any 


2'^Q  A    REVIEW     OF  [Book    1. 

chres,'  and  cautioned  the  people  against  them  as  dangerous  de- 
ceivers. It  is  no  wonder,  therefore,  that  on  this  account  they 
hated  him  with  a  perfect  hatred. 

Again  :  they  were  exceedingly  offended  with  the  high  charac- 
ter he  assumed  as  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  Messiah.  On  this 
account  they  condemned  him  to  die  for  blasphemy.  They  ex- 
pected a  Messiah  indeed,  who,  they  professed,  was  spoken  of  in 
the  Scripture  ;  but  they  understood  not  what  the  Scriptures  had 
revealed,  either  concerning  his  divine  nature,  or  his  voluntary 
humiliation,  that  he  was  to  be  the  son  and  lord  of  David,  yet  '  a 
man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief.'  They  denied  his 
divinity  ;  and  themselves  unwittingly  fulfilled  the  prophesies  that 
spoke  of  his  sufferings  ;  affording,  by  their  conduct,  a  memora- 
ble proof  how  fatally  persons  may  mistake  the  sense  of  the  word 
of  God,  while  they  profess  highly  to  esteem  it. 

What  further  increased  their  contempt  of  his  claims,  and  con- 
tributed to  harden  their  hearts  more  implacably  against  him,  was 
the  obscurity  and  poverty  of  his  state.     While   they  were  gov- 
erned by  worldly  wisdom,  and  sought  not  the  teaching  of  God's 
Spirit,  they  could  not  but  suppose  an  utter  repugnance  between 
the  meanness  of  his  condition  and  the  honours  he  vindicated  to 
himself     They  expected  a  Messiah  to  come  in  pomp  and  power^^ 
to  deliver  them  from  the  Roman   yoke.     For  a  person  ti-uly  di- 
vine, who  made  himself  equal  with  God,  to  be  encompassed  with 
poverty  and  distress,  seemed  such  profane  contradiction  as  might 
justify  every  mark  of  indignity   they  could  offer  him.     And  this 
difficulty  must  equally  afiect  ever}'  unenlightened  mind.     }{  man 
had  been  left  to  devise  in  what  manner  the  Lord  of  the  universe 
would  probably  descend  to  dwell  a  while  with  poor  mortals  in  a 
visible  form,  they  would  undoubtedly  have  imagined  such  a  scene 
(if  their  thoughts  could  have  reached  it)  as  is  described  by  the 
prophets   on   odier  occasions.     The  heavens  bowing,   the  earth 
shaking,  the  moimtains  read}'  lo  start  from  their  places,  and   all 
nature  labouring  to  do  homage  to  her  Creator.     Or,  if  he  came 
in  a  milder  way,  they  would,  at  least,  have  contrived  an  assem- 
blage  of  all  that  we  conceive  magnificent ;  a  pomp  and  spendour 
surpassing  all  the  world  ever  saw.     Expecting  nations,  crowding 
to  welcome  his  arrival,  and  thrones  of  gold,  and  palaces  of  ivory, 
would  have  been  judged  too  mean  to  accommodate  so  glorious  a 
guest.     But  the  Lord's   thoughts   and   ways   are  difierent  from 
man's.     The  beloved  Son  of  God,   by  whom   all  things  were 

other  image  that  would  so  strongly  express  the  true  character  of  hypocrisy,  and 
how  hateful  it  appears  in  the  sight  of  God,  who  is  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold 
iniquity,  and  before  whom  all  things  are  naked  and  open. 


Chap.   1.]  ECCLESIASTICAL     HISTORY.  27"/ 

made,  was  born  in  a  stable,  and  grew  up  in  an  obscure  and  mean 
condition.  He  camelo  suffer  and  to  die  for  sin,  to  sanctify  pov- 
erty and  aflliction  to  his  people,  to  set  a  perfect  example  of  pa- 
tience and  submission  ;  therefore  he  made  himaelf  of  no  reputa- 
tion, but  took  on  him  the  form  and  offices  of  a  servant.  This 
was  the  appointment  of  divine  wisdom  ;  but  so  incredible  in  the 
judgment  of  blinded  mortals,  that  the  apostle  assures  us  '  no  man 
can  say  that  Jesus  is  the  Lord  ;'  can  perceive  and  acknowledge 
his  inherent  excellence  and  authority,  through  the  disgraceful  cir- 
cumstances of  his  humiliation,  '  but  by  the  Holy  Ghost.'*  His 
enemies,  therefore,  thought  they  sufficiently  refuted  his  assertions, 
by  referring  to  his  supposed  parents,  and  the  reputed  place  of  his 
nativity. 

Their  envy  and  hatred  were  still  more  inflamed  by  observing 
the  character  of  his  followers.  These  were  chiefly  poor  and 
illiterate  persons,  and  many  of  them  had  been  notoriously  wick- 
ed, or  accounted  so  ;  publicans  and  sinners,  whose  names  and 
professions  were  vile  to  a  proverb.  And  for  such  as  these,  and 
almost  these  only,  to  acknowledge  the  person  whom  they  refused, 
and  by  professing  themselves  his  disciples, f  to  set  up  for  being 
wiser  than  their  teachers  ;  this  was  a  mortification  to  their  pride 
which  they  could  not  bear  ;  especially  when  they  found  their 
number  daily  to  increase,  and,  therefore,  could  not  but  fear  theii" 
own  influence  would  proportionably  decline. 

Once  more  :  JMistaking  the  nature  of  his  kingdom,  which  he 
often  spoke  of,  they  opposed  him  from  reasons  of  state  ;  they 
feared,  or  pretended  to  fear,  that  if  they  suftered  him  to  go  on, 
the  increase  of  his  disciples  would  give  umbrage  to  the  Romans, 
who  would  come  and  take  away  both  their  places  and  their  na- 
tion.J  Some,  perhaps,  really  had  this  apprehension  ;  but  it  was 
more  generally  a  pretence,  which  the  leaders  made  use  of  to 
alarm  the  ignorant.  They  were,  in  truth,  impatient  of  the  Ro- 
man yoke,  prone  to  tumults,  and  ready  to  listen  to  every  deceiver 
who  promised  them  deliverance,  under  pretence  of  being  their 
expected  JMessiah.  But  from  enmity  and  opposition  to  Jesus, 
they  became  loyal  at  once.  So  they  might  accomplish  their  de- 
signs against  him,  they  were  content  to  forget  other  grievances, 
and  openly  professed  they  would  have  no  other  king  but  Caesar. 

These  were  some  of  the  chief  motives  which  united  the  oppo- 
site interests  and  jarring  sentiments  of  the  Jewish  sects  against 
our  blessed  Lord.  We  are  next  to  consider  the  methods  they 
employed  to  prejudice  the  multitudes  against  him.  The  bulk  of 
the  common  people  seldom  think  for  themselves  in  religious  con- 

*  1  Cor.  xii.  S,  f  John  ^ii.  49.     i\.  f>i.  ;  John  xi.  48, 


278  A  RKviEvv  OK  [Book  I. 

cerns,  but  judge  it  sufficient  to  give  up  iheir  understandings  and 
consciences  to  their  professed*  teachers.  They  are,  however, 
for  the  most  part,  more  unprejudiced  and  open  to  conviction  than 
their  guides,  whose  reputation  and  interest  are  more  nearly  con- 
cerned to  maintain  every  established  error,  and  to  stop  up  every 
avenue  by  which  truth  and  reformation  might  enter.  The  Jew- 
ish people,  uninfluenced  by  the  proud  and  selfish  views  of  the 
pi'iests  and  rulers,  readily  honoured  the  ministry  of  Christ,  and 
attended  him  in  great  multitudes.  If  they  did  not  enter  into  the 
grand  design  of  his  mission,  they,  at  least,  gave  him  testimonies 
of  respect.  When  Jesus  caused  tlie  f  dumb  to  speak,  the  maim- 
ed to  be  whole,  the  lame  to  walk,  and  the  blind  to  see,  they  glori- 
fied the  God  of  Israel,  saying,  '  A  great  prophet  has  risen  up 
amongst  us,  God  has  visited  his  people.'  Now,  what  was  to  be 
done  in  this  case  .''  Would  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  stand  uncon- 
cerned ?  No  ;  it  is  said,  in  several  places,  they  were  filled  with 
indignation,!  and  essayed  every  means  to  bring  his  person  and 
miracles  into  disrepute.  The  methods  they  used  are  worthy  of 
notice,  having  been  often  repeated  since  (as  to  their  substance) 
against  the  servants  of  Christ. 

1.  They  availed  themselves  of  a  popular  mistake  concerning 
his  birth.  Jesus  was  born  in  Bethlehem,  according  to  the  Scrip- 
tures ;  but  being  removed  from  thence  in  his  infancy,  to  avoid 
Herod's  cruelty,  and  his  parents  afterwards  living  at  Nazareth  in 
Galilee,  he  was  supposed  by  many  to  have  been  born  there. 
Even  Nathaniel  was  prejudiced  by  this  mistake  ;  but  happily 
yielded  to  Philip's  advice  to  examine  for  himself.  But  it  pre- 
vented many  from  inquiring  much  about  Jesus,  and  therefore  his 
enemies  made  the  most  of  it,  and  confidently  appealed  to  the 
Scripture,  when  it  seemed  to  decide  in  their  favoiu".  || '  Search 
and  look,  for  out  of  Galilee  ariseth  no  prophet.'  It  is  probable 
many  were  staggered  with  this  objection,  and  thought  it  suffi- 
cient to  invalidate  all  his  discourses  and  miracles,  since,  let  him 
say  and  do  what  he  would,  he  could  not  be  the  Messiah  if  he  was 
born  in  Galilee. 

2.  They  urged  that  he  could  not  be  of  God,  because  he  in- 
fringed the  law  of  Moses,  and  broke  the  Sabbath. §     Tiiis,  though 

*  This  is  much  to  be  lamented  ;  for,  '  if  the  blind  lead  the  blind,  shall  tiiey 
not  botii  full  into  the  ditch  r'  Matt.  xv.  11.  When  the  blind  lead  the  blind, 
how,  indeed,  can  it  be  otherwise  ;  if  the  former  imagine  they  see,  and  the  latter 
are  content  to  be  led  ?  Alas,  for  the  people  that  are  in  such  a  case !  alas,  for 
their  guides ! 

t  Matt.  XV.  31     LuUevii.  10. 

t  It  is  a  strong  symptom  of  hypocrisy  and  enmity  to  the  Gospel,  to  be 
offended  with  any  new  and  remarkable  displays  of  divine  grace. 

(1  John  \u.  42,  'j<2.  ^.lohn  i.\.  16. 


Qhap.  3.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  279 

it  may  seem  a  groundless  objection  to  us,  was  not  so  to  many  at 
that  time,  who  knew  not  the  spiritual  design  and  meaning  of  the 
law,  and,  perhaps,  had  not  the  opportunity  to  hear  our  Lord  vin- 
dicate himself.  They  urged  this  vehemently  against  the  force  of 
a  notorious  miracle,  and  not  without  some  colour  from  the  words 
of  Moses  *  himself,  who  had  warned  them  to  beware  of  false 
teachers,  though  they  should  confirm  their  doctrine  by  signs  and 
wonders. 

3.  They  reproached  the  freedom  of  his  conversation,  Jesus 
was  of  easy  access,  and  condescended  to  converse  and  eat  with 
any  who  invited  him.  He  neither  practised  nor  enjoined  the 
austerities  which  carry  the  air  of  superior  sanctity  in  the  judg- 
ment of  weak  and  superstitious  minds.  They  therefore  sty- 
led him  '  a  gluttonf  and  wine-bibber,  a  friend  of  publicans  and 
sinuers ;'  that  is,  (as  they  intended  it,)  a  companion  with  them, 
and  a  conuiver  at  their  wickedness.  Nothing  could  be  more 
false  and  slanderous  than  this  charge,  or  more  easily  refuted,  if 
the  people  would  examine  closel}'.  But  as  it  came  from  teachers 
who  were  highly  reverenced,  for  mortification  ;  and  as  Jesus  was 
usually  attended  by  many  with  whom  it  was  thought  infamous  to 
associate,  it  could  not  but  have  great  weight  with  the  credulous 
and  indolent. 

4.  They  laid  much  stress  upon  the  mean  condition  of  his  fol- 
lowers. They  were  mostly  Galileans,  a  people  of  small  estima- 
tion, and  of  the  lowest  rank  fishermen  or  publicans ;  while,  on  the 
other  hand,  {ew  or  none  of  the  rulers  or  Pharisees,  who  were  pre- 
sumed to  be  best  qualified  J  to  judge  of  his  pretensions,  had  be- 
lieved on  him.  Those  who  are  acquainted  with  human  nature 
cannot  but  know  how  strongly  this  appeal  to  the  judgment  of 
persons  eminent  for  their  learning  or  station,  operates  upon  minds 
who  have  no  better  criterion  of  truth.  How  could  a  Jew,  who 
had  been  from  his  infancy  superstitiously  attached  to  the  Phari- 
sees, suppose  that  these  eminently  devout  men,  who  spent  their 
lives  in  the  study  of  the  law,  would  have  rejected  Jesus  if  he  had 
been  a  good  man  ? 

5.  VV^hen,  notwithstanding  all  their  surmises,  multitudes  still 
profess  high  thoughts  of  Jesus,  beholding  his  wonderful  works  ; 
they  proceeded,  with  the  most  blasphemous  effrontery,  to  defame 
the  miracles  they  could  not  deny,  and  maliciously  ascribed  thera 
to  the  agency  of  the  devil.  |j  This  pertinacious  resistance  to  the 
conviction  both  of  their  senses  and  consciences,  was  the  highest 
stage  of  iuipiety,  and  constituted  their  sin  (as  our  Lord  assured 
ihem)  unpardonable.     Not  that  any  sin,  considered   in   itself,   is 

*Deiit.xiii.  1,  2,  S.     f  Luke  vii.  34.    |  John  vii.  48.     H  Matt,  xii,  §4. 


2S0  A  REVIEW  Of  [Book  1. 

too  great  for /the  blood  of  Jesus  to  expiate  ;  but,  as  they  utterlj 
renounced  and  scorned  his  mediation,  there  remained  no  other 
sacrifice,  but  they  were  judicially  given  up  to  incurable  impeni- 
tence and  hardness  of  heart.  Yet  it  is  probable  that  even  this 
black  assertion  was  not  without  influence  upon  some  who  were 
wedded  to  their  sins,  and  therefore  glad  of  any  pretext,  how  un- 
reasonable soever,  to  refuse  the  testimony  of  truth. 

G.  Another  means  they  made  use  of,  (the  last  we  shall  enu- 
merate.) and  not  die  least  effectual,  to  intimidate  the  minds  of  the 
people  from  acknowledging  Jesus,  was  the  convincing  argument 
of  violence  and  ill  treatment.  Having  the  power  in  their  hands, 
they  employed  it  against  his  followers,  and  made  an  agreement, 
that  whoever  confessed  he  was  Christ  should  be  put  out  of  the 
synagogue,*  that  is,  excommunicated.  This  decree  seems  to  have 
been  made  by  the  Sanhedrim,  or  great  council,  and  to  imply,  not 
merely  an  exclusion  from  the  rites  of  public  worship,  but  likewise 
a  positive  punishment,  equivalent  to  an  oui-lawry  with  us.  The 
fear  of  incurring  this  penalty  restrained  the  parents  of  the  man 
born  blind,  and  prevented  many  others, f  who  were  in  their  hearts 
convinced  that  he  was  the  Messiah,  from  owning  him  as  such. 
They  loved  the  world,  they  preferred  the  praise  of  men  to  the 
praise  of  God,  and  therefore  remained  silent  and  neuter. 

From  such  motives,  and  by  such  methods,  our  Lord  was  re- 
sisted and  opposed  by  the  heads  of  the  Jewish  nation.  The 
scribes  and  teachers,  to  whom  the  key  of  knowledge  was  by  au- 
thority committed,  disdained  to  use  it  themselves,  and  those  who 
were  willing  they  hindered.  Had  they  been  wise  and  faithful, 
the}'  would  have  directed  the  people  to  Christ  ;  but,  on  the  con- 
trary, they  darkened  the  plainest  Scriptures,  and  perverted  the 
clearest  facts,  to  prevent,  if  possible,  his  reception.  In  vain  '  he 
spoke  as  never  man  spoke,'  and  multiplied  the  wonders  of  his 
power  and  love  in  their  presence.  In  vain  to  them.  They  pur- 
sued him  with  unwearied  subtilty|  and  malice;  traduced  him  to 
the  people,  and  to  the  government,  and  would  be  satisfied  with 
nothing  less  than  his  death.  So  obstinate  and  wicked  is  the  heart 
of  man  ;  so  fatal  are  the  prejudices  of  pride  and  worldly  interest. 
For,  as  we  observed  before,  these  tempers  were  not  peculiar  to 
the  Jews  ;  they  are  essential  to  depraved  nature,  and  operate  uni- 
versally,  where   the  grace  of  God  docs  not   make   a   difference. 

» 

"John  ix.  22.  f  John  xi.  42. 

\  Mark  xii.  13.  They  sent  unto  liiin  certain  of  the  Pharisees  to  catch  him. 
A^  p^uij  expresses  the  art  and  assiduity  of  sportsmen,  in  the  various  methods 
they  use  to  ensnare,  entangle,  or  destroy  their  game.  It  w  ell  suits  the  spirit  and 
design  of  our  Lord's  enemies,  in  tlie  question  proposed,  and  is  finely  contrasted 
by  the  meekness  and  wisdom  of  his  answer. 


Chap.    3.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  281 

To  this  hour  the  Gospel  of  Christ  is  opposed  upon  the  same 
grounds,  and  by  the  like  artifices,  as  were  once  employed  against 
his  person. 

The  doctrines  which  his  faithful  ministers  deduce  and  enforce 
from  the  written  word  are  no  other  than  what  he  himself  taught, 
namely,  a  declaration  of  his  personal  honours  and  authority,  of 
the  insufficiency  of  formal  worship,  in  which  the  heart  is  not  con- 
cerned, of  the  extent  and  spirituality  of  the  law  of  God,  and  of 
salvation,  freely  proclaimed  to  the  miserable,  through  faith  in 
his  name.  The  self-righteous,  the  self-wise,  and  all  who  are  de- 
voted to  the  pleasures  and  honours  of  the  world,  have  each  their 
particular  exceptions  to  these  truths.  The  wisdom  of  God  they 
account  foolisiiness,  and  the  language  of  their  hearts  is,  '  We 
will  not  have  this  man  to  reign  over  us.'  And  the  success  of 
these  doctrines,  which  is  chiefly  visible  among  such  as  they  have 
been  accustomed  to  despise,  is  equally  oflensive  ;  yet  so  incon- 
sistent are  they,  that  if,  here  and  there,  a  few  persons  who  were 
before  eminent  for  their  rank,  attainments,  or  morality,  are  pre- 
vailed on  to  '  account  all  things  but  loss  and  dung  for  the  excel- 
lency of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  their  Lord ;'  this  instead 
of  removing  their  first  objection,  excites  their  rage  and  contempt 
still  more. 

And  as  the  motives  of  their  hatred,  so  their  methods  of  ex- 
pressing it  are  the  same.  They  are  not  ashamed  to  adopt  and 
exaggerate  the  most  vulgar  misconceptions  ;  they  set  the  Scrip- 
ture at  variance  with  itself ;  and,  while  they  pass  over  the  plain- 
est and  most  important  passages  unnoticed,  they  dwell  upon  a 
few  texts  of  more  dubious  import,  and  therefore  more  easily  ac- 
commodated to  their  sense  ;  with  these  they  flourish  and  triumph, 
and  effect  a  high  zeal  in  defence  of  the  word  of  God.  They 
reproach  the  pure  Gospel  as  licentious,  because  it  exposes  the 
vanity  of  their  singularities  and  will-worship  ;  and  are  desirous 
to  bind  heavier  burdens  upon  men's  shoulders,  which  few  of 
themselves  will  touch  with  one  of  their  fingers.  They  enlarge 
on  the  weakness  and  ignorance  of  those  who  mostly  receive  the 
new  doctrine,  and  intrench  themselves  under  the  sanction  of 
learned  and  dignified  names.  They  even  venture  to  explode  and 
vilify  the  evident  eflects  of  God's  grace,  and  ascribe  the  agency  of 
his  Spirit  to  enthuwasm,  infatuation,  and  madness,  if  not  express- 
ly to  diabolical  influence.  And  lastly,  so  far  as  Divine  Provi- 
dence permits,  they  show  themselves  actuated  by  the  primitive 
spirit  of  oppression  and  violence,  in  pursuing  the  faithful  follow- 
ers of  the  truth  with  censures  and  penalties. 

But  let  who  will  rage  and  imagine  vain  things,  Jesus  is  the 
King  in  Zion.     He  is  '  the  same  yesterday,  to-dav,  aad  for  ever.' 

Vol.  II.  3(> 


2S2  A  REVIEW  OF  [Book  1, 

There  were  a  liappy  lew  in  the  days  of  his  flesh  who  beheld  his 
Horv,  trusted  on  him  for  salvation,  and  attended  him  amidst  the 
many  reproaches  and  suflerings  he  endured  from  sinners.  Of 
these,  his  first  witnesses,  we  are  to  speak  in  the  following  chapter. 
His  Gospel  likewise,  though  opposed  by  many,  and  slighted  by 
more,  is  never  preaclied  in  vain.  To  some,  it  will  always  be  the 
power  and  wisdom  of  God  ;  they  know  in  whom  they  have  be- 
lieved, and  therefore  are  not  ashamed  to  appear  in  his  cause 
against  all  disadvantages.  Supported  and  encouraged  by  his 
Spirit,  they  go  on  from  strength  to  strength,  and  are  successive- 
ly made  more  than  conquerors,  by  his  blood,  and  the  word  of  his 
testimony. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Observations  "n  Ihe  calling  and  characters  of  our  Lord^s  Apostles  and  Disci- 
ples, previous  to  his  Ascension. 

From  what  has  been  observed  in  the  preceding  chapters,  it  is 
evident,  that  those  who  assert  a  principle  of  free-will  in  man, 
sufficiently  enabling  him  to  choose  and  determine  for  himself, 
when  the  truths  of  the  Gospel  are  plainly  laid  before  him,  do 
thereby,  (so  far  as  in  them  lies,)  render  the  salvation  of  mankind 
highly  precarious,  if  not  utterly  hopeless  and  impracticable. 
Notwithstanding  God  was  pleased  to  send  his  own  Son  with  a 
gracious  message ;  notwithstanding  his  whole  life  was  a  series  of 
wonders,  and  all  his  actions  discovered  a  wisdom,  pov.er,  and 
goodness,  answerable  to  his  high  character  ;  notwithstanding  the 
time,  manner,  and  design  of  his  appearance  and  suflerings  had 
been  clearly  foretold  ;  yet,  so  far  as  judgment  can  be  made  from 
the  event,  he  would  certainly  have  lived  and  died  in  vain,  with- 
out influence  or  honour,  without  leaving  a  single  disciple,  if  the 
same  grace  that  provided  the  means  of  redemption  had  not  en- 
gaged to  make  them  efleciual,  by  preparing  and  disposing  the 
hearts  of  sinners  to  receive  iiim. 

In  the  account  given  us  by  the  evangelists  of  those  who  pro- 
fessed themselves  his  disciples,  we  may  discern,  as  in  miniature, 
the  general  methods  of  his  grace  ;  and  comparing  his  personal 
ministry  with  the  effects  of  liis  Gospel  in  all  succeeding  times, 
we  may  be  assured  that  the  work  and  the  power  are  still  the 
same.  The  choice  he  made  of  his  disciples,  the  manner  of 
their  calling,  their  characters,  and  even  their  defects  and  fail- 
ings ;  in  a  word,  all  that  is  recorded  concerning  them  is  writ- 


Chap.    4.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  283 

ten  for  our  instruction,  and  is  particularly  useful,  to  leach  us  the 
true  meaning  of  what  passes  within  our  own  observation. 

First.  Several  things  are  worthy  our  notice  in  this  view,  with 
respect  to  the  choice  of  his  disciples. 

1.  They  were  comparatively  very  few.  He  was,  indeed,  us- 
ually attended  by  multitudes  in  the  diflerent  places  where  he 
preached,  because  he  spoke  with  a  power  they  had  never  met 
with  before,  and  because  he  healed  the  sick,  fed  the  hungry,  and 
did  good  to  all ;  but  he  had  very  few  constant  followers.  Those 
who  assembled  at  Jerusalem,  after  his  ascension,  are  said  to  have 
been  but  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  ;*  and  when  he  appoint- 
ed his  disciples  a  solemn  meeting  in  Galilee,  informing  them  be- 
fore-hand of  the  time  and  place  where  he  would  come  to  them, 
the  number  that  then  met  here  is  expressed  by  the  apostle  to  have 
been  more  thanf  five  hundred.  We  can  hardly  suppose  that  any 
who  loved  him,  and  were  able  to  travel,  would  have  been  absent 
upon  so  interesting  an  occasion  ;  but  how  small  a  company  was 
this,  compared  with  the  many  thousands  among  whom  he 
had  conversed  in  all  the  cities  and  villages-  through  which  he  had 
passed,  preaching  the  Gospel,  and  performing  innumerable  mira- 
cles for  more  than  three  years  ^  Well  might  the  prophet  say,  fore- 
seeing the  small  success  he  would  meet  with,  'Who  hath  believed 
our  report,  and  to  whom  hath  the  arm  of  the  Lord  been  reveal- 
ed V  But  since  he,  in  whom  the  fulness  of  grace  resided,  had  so 
iew  disciples,  it  may  lessen  our  surprise  that  his  Gospel,  though 
in  itself  the  power  and  wisdom  of  God,  should  meet  with  so  cold 
a  reception  amongst  men  as  it  has  in  fact  always  done. 

2.  Of  those  iGW  who  professed  a  more  entire  attachment  to  his 
person,  a  considerable  part,  after  attending  him  for  some  time, 
went  back  and  walked  no  more  with  him.  They  were  but  su- 
perficially convinced,  and  rather  struck  with  the  power  of  his 
words  and  works,  than  deeply  sensible  of  their  own  need  of  him. 
When,  therefore,  upon  a  certain  occasion,  he  spoke  of  the  more 
inward  and  experimental  part  of  religion,  the  life  of  faith,  and 
the  necessity  of  eating  his  ilesh  and  drinking  his  blood,  so  many 
were  offended  at  his  doctrine,  and  forsook|  him,  that  he  said  un- 
to the  twelve,  'Will  ye  also  go  away  r'  which  seems  to  imply, 
that  there  were  ^e\\  but  these  remaining.     Therefore,  though  wc 

*  Acts  i.  15. 

f  1  Cor.  XV.  6.  The  word  brethren  there  used  docs  not  prove  that  none  but 
men  were  present  at  that  time,  any  n)ore  than  that,  because  tlie  apostles,  in  their 
(lublic  preaching,  addressed  their  hearers  as  '  men  and  brethren,'  there  were 
tlicrefore  no  women  amongst  them,  or  the  W()men  were  not  consideiied  as  hav- 
ing any  interest  or  concern  in  the  Gospel  Ministry. 

t  John  vi.  GO,  67. 


284  A  REVIEW  or  [Book  1. 

see  at  present  that  where  the  sound  of  the  Gospel  brings  multi- 
tudes together,  many,  who  for  a  season  appeared  in  earnest, 
gradually  decline  in  their  profession,  and,  at  length,  wholly  re- 
turn to  their  former  ways,  we  have  the  less  reason  to  wonder  or 
be  discouraged,  remembering  that  it  was  thus  from  the  begin- 
ning. 

3.  Those  who  believed  on  Clu'ist  then,  were  chiefly  (as  we  had 
occasion  to  observe  before)  persons  of  low  condition,  and  many 
of  them  had  been  formerly  vile  and  obnoxious  in  their  conduct. 
While  the  wise  and  learned  rejected  him,  his  more  immediate  fol- 
lowers were  Galileans,  fishermen,  publicans,  and  sinners.  This 
was  observed,  and  urged  to  his  reproach  and  theirs  ;  and  the  like 
ofl'ence  has  always  attended  his  Gospel.  But  what  enrages  his 
enemies,  fills  the  hearts  and  mouths  of  liis  poor  people  with  praise. 
Tliey*  adore  his  condescension  in  taking  notice  of  the  most  un- 
worthy, and  admire  the  efficacy  of  his  grace  in  making  those  who 
were  once  wretched  slaves  to  Satan,  a  free  and  willing  people  in 
the  day  of  his  power. 

4.  But  this  was  not  universally  tlie  case.  Though  not  many 
wise,  rich,  or  noble,  were  called,  there  were  some  even  of  these. 
His  grace  triumphed  over  every  circumstance  of  life.  Zaccheus 
was  a  rich  man  ;f  Nicodemus,  a  ruler  of  the  Jews  ;  Joseph,  au 
honourable  counseller.  We  also  read  of  a  nobleman  or  courtier 
who  believed,  with  all  his  house.  In  every  age,  likewise,  there 
have  been  some  persons  of  distinguished  eminence  for  birth,  hon- 
ours, and  abilities,  who  have  cheerfully  engaged  in  the  profession 
of  a  despised  Gospel,  though  they  have  thereby  incurred  a  double 
share  of  opposiiion  from  the  men  of  the  world,  especially  from 
those  of  their  own  rank.  The  nuntber  of  these  has  been  always 
sufficient  to  confute  those  who  would  insinuate,  that  the  Gospel  is 
only  suited  to  the  taste  of  the  vulgar  and  ignorant ;  yet  it  has 
always  been  so  small,  as  to  make  it  evident  that  the  truth  is  not 
supported  by  the  wisdom  or  influence  of  men,  but  by  the  power 
and  providence  of  God. 

6.  It  is  further  observable,  that  several  of  our  Lord's  few  dis- 
ciples were  under  previous  connexions  amongst  themselves.  Pe- 
ter|  and  Andrew  were  brothers,  as  likewise  James  and  John  ; 

*  Luke  i.  52,  53. 

f  Zaccheus  was  acliiefor  principal  publican,  to  whom  the  rest  were  account- 
able ;  a  commissioner  of  the  revenue.  '  And  he  was  rich.'  The  Greek  is 
more  expressive,  '  And  this  was  a  rich  man  ;'  Luke  xix.  2  :  perhaps  alluding 
to  what  had  past  a  liule  before  ;  chap,  xviii.  25.  This  remark  is  added,  to  re- 
mmd  us,  that  what  is  impossible  with  men,  is  easy  to  him  who  can  speak  to  the 
heart,  and  turn  it  as  he  will. 

.t  John  i,  40. 


Chap.    4.]  KCCLESIA5TIGAL    H1ST©RY.  285 

and  these,  together  with  Philip,  and  perhaps  Nathaniel,  seem  to 
have  been  all  of  one*  town.  The  other  James  and  Jude  were  al- 
so brethren.  So  it  is  said,  Jesus  loved  Mary,  and  her  sister,  and 
Lazarus,  three  in  one  house  ;  when,  perhaps,  the  whole  place 
hardly  aflbrded  a  fourth  ;  and  more  in  a  single  village  than  were 
to  be  found  in  many  larger  cities  taken  together.  This  circum- 
stance more  strongly  marked  the  discrimination  of  his  grace,  in 
making  the  means  effectual  where,  and  to  whom  he  pjeased.  Such 
has  been  the  usual  event  of  his  Gospel  since.  It  is  proclaimed  to 
all,  but  accepted  by  few ;  and  of  these  several  are  often  found  in  one 
family,  while  their  next  door  neighbours  account  it  a  burden  and 
offence.  It  flourishes  here  and  theref  in  a  few  places,  while  those 
of  the  adjacent  country  are  buried  in  more  than  Egyptian 
darkness,  and  resist  the  endeavours  of  those  who  would  in- 
vite them  to  partake  of  the  same  benefits.  Thus  the  Lord  is 
pleased  to  display  his  own  sovereignty,  in  raising  and  sending 
forth  his  ministers  when  and  where  he  sees  fit,  and  in  determining 
the  subjects  and  measure  of  their  success.  If  others  dispute  andj 
cavil  against  this  procedure,  those  who  believe  have  cause  to 
adore  his  goodness  to  themselves ;  and  a  day  is  at  hand  when 
every  mouth  shall  be  stopped  that  would  contend  with  the  just 
Judge  of  all  the  earth.  The  impenitent  and  unbelieving  will  not 
then  dare  to  charge  him  with  injustice  for  dealing  with  them  ac- 
cording to  their  own  counsels  and  desires,  inasmuch  as  when  the 
light  of  truth  was  ready  to  break  upon  them,  they  chose  darkness 
rather  than  light,  because  their  deeds  were  evil. 

^  Comp.  Mark  i.  16,  Luke  v.  10,  witli  John  i.  44,  45.  These  six,  and  more 
Uian  these,  were  fishermen,  Jolin  xxi.  2 ;  and  such  they  continued  ,  only  then- 
net  success  and  capture  were  so  much  changed,  tliat  it  became  a  new  calling; 
he  made  them  fishers  of  men.  In  tiie  fishermen's  calling,  there  is  required  a 
certain  dexterity,  much  patisnce,  and  a  readiness  to  bear  hardships.  Perhaps 
many  observations  they  made  in  their  former  business  were  useful  to  them  af- 
terwards. And  the  Lord  still  brings  up  his  servants  so  that  the  remembrance  of 
former  years,  (the  years  of  ignorance,)  becomes  a  rule  and  encouragement  in 
future  and  different  scenes  of  life, 

t  Amos  iv,  7, 

I  See  Rom.  xi,  23.  There  are  but  few  who  dispute  upon  the  subject  of  the 
Divine  Decrees  with  that  reverence  and  caution  St,  Paul  expresses.  In  chap, 
ix.  when  an  objection  was  started,  he  cuts  it  short  with,  '  But  who  art  thou,  O 
man,  that  repliest  against  God  ?'  And  here  he  breaks  otlf  abruptly,  with, '  O  the 
deptli !'  He  seems  to  have  followed  the  narrow  winding  streams  of  human 
reasoning,  till  he  finds  iiimself,  unawares,  upon  the  brink  of  an  ocean 
that  has  neither  bounds  nor  bottom.  And  every  word  expresses  the  reverence 
and  astonishment  with  which  his  mind  was  filled.  The  wisdom  of  the  divine 
counsels  in  their  first  plan  ;  the  knowledge  of  their  extensive  consequences  in 
this  world,  in  all  worlds,  in  time,  and  in  eternity;  the  riches  of  that  wisdom  and 
knowledge;  the  depth  of  those  riches  ;  iiis  counsels  inaccessible  ;  his  proceed- 
ings untraceable  ;  all  is  wonderful  in  St.  Paul's  view.  How  different  this  from 
the  trifling  arrogant  spirit  of  too  many  upon  tliis  topic  ! 


286  A  REVIEW  ot  [Book  1. 

SecondI\ .  In  the  caUing  of  our  Lord's  disciples,  and  the  inau- 
ner  in  uliich  they  were  brought  to  know  and  serve  him,  we  may 
discover  the  same  variety  as,  at  this  day.  appears  in  the  conver- 
sion of  sinners  by  the  preaciiing  of  the  Go<pek 

Some,  from  a  religious  education,  and  early  acquaintance  with 
the  Scriptures,  and  the  secret  intiuence  of  the  Spirit  of  God  upon 
their  hearts,  are  gradually  prepared  for  the  reception  of  the 
truth.  They  read,  and  strive,  and  pray ;  they  feel  an  uneasiness 
and  a  want,  which  they  know  not  how  to  remedy.  They  are  sin- 
cerely desirous  to  know  and  to  do  the  will  of  God  ;  and  yet. 
through  misapprehension,  and  the  indueuce  of  popular  prejudice, 
they  are  for  a  season  withheld  from  the  means  that  would  relieve 
them.  But  at  length  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel  explains  to 
them  the  meaning  of  their  former  exercises,  exactly  answers  to 
the  state  of  their  minds,  and  thereby  brings  its  own  evidence. 
Similar  to  this  was  the  case  of  Nathaniel:  when  our  Lord  refer- 
red him  to  what  had  passed  under  the  fig-tree,  where  he  had 
thought  himself  alone  and  unobserved,  his  doubts  and  scruples 
vanished  in  an  instant.  There  is  little  doubt  but  Xathaniel  had 
been  prayina  under  the  fig-tree,  and  probably  desiring  a  further 
knowledge  of  the  prophecies,  and  their  accomplishment  in  the 
^lessiah.  He  had  heard  of  Jesus,  but  could  not  fully  clear  up 
the  objections  made  against  him ;  but  now  he  was  convinced  and 
satisfied  in  a  moment. 

The  attention  of  some  is  drawn  by  what  they  see  and  hear 
around  them.  They  form  a  favourable  opinion  of  the  Gospel 
from  the  remarkable  efiects  it  produces ;  but  their  first  inquiries 
are  damped  by  difficulties  which  they  cannot  get  over,  and  they 
are  ready  to  say,  '  How  can  these  things  be  .'*  Their  interests 
and  connexions  in  life  are  a  further  hindrance  :  the  fear  of  man, 
which  "bringelh  a  snare,  is  a  great  restraint  upon  their  inquiries; 
but  now  and  then,  when  they  can  venture  without  being  noticed, 
they  seek  further  instruction.  Xow,  though  this  hesitating  spirit, 
which  pay?  so  much  deference  to  worldly  regards  in  the  search  of 
truth,  is  highly  blameable  ;  yet  the  Lord,  who  is  rich  in  mercy,  is 
often  pleased  to  produce  a  happy  and  abiding  change  from  such 
imperfect  beginnings.  As  they  increase  in  knowledge  they  gain 
more  courage,  and,  in  time,  arrive  to  a  comfortable  experience 
and  open  profession  of  the  truth  :  thus  it  was  with  Xicodemus ; 
he  was  at  first  ignorant  and  fearful :  but  his  interview  with  Jesus, 
by  night,  had  a  good  eflect.  He  afterwards  ventured  to  speak 
more  publicly*  in  his  favour,  though  still  he  did  not  join  himself 
to  the  disciples.     But  the  circumstances  of  Christ's  death  freed 

*Johji  \\\.  50. 


Chap.  4.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTOET.  287 

him  from  all  fear,  and  inspired  him  to  attempt  the  raost  obnox- 
iooi  service,  when  the  apostles  themselves  were  afraid  to  l>e 
seen.* 

Others  are  first  prompted  to  hear  the  Gospel  from  no  hitrher 
motive  than  coriosity ;  but  goin^  as  mere  spectators,  they  find 
themselves  retained  as  parties,  unaware^.  The  word  of  God, 
powerful  and  penetrating  as  a  two-ed^ed  sword,  discovers  the 
thoughts  and  intents  of  their  heart?,  presses  upon  their  conscien- 
ces, and  seems  addressed  to  themselves  alone.  The  sentiments 
they  carry  away  with  them  are  far  different  from  those  they 
brought ;  and  a  change  in  their  whole  deportment  immediately 
takes  place.  Such  was  the  case  of  Zaccheus :  be  hadf  heard 
much  of  Jesus,  and  desired  to  see  him  :  for  this  end  he  ran  before 
and  climbed  a  tree,  from  whence  he  purposed  to  see  him  unob- 
served. Bat  how  great  must  his  surprise  and  emotion  have  been, 
when  Jesus,  whom  he  had  -considered  as  a  stranger,  looked  up. 
called  him  by  his  name,  and  invited  himself  to  his  house. 

Some  are  drawn  by  the  report  of  others'  freely  declaring-  what 
the  Lord  has  done  for  their  souls.  The  relation  awakens  in 
them  desires  after  him  which  are  not  disappointed,  for  he  b  rich 
enough  to  satisfy  all  who  seek  to  him.  .So  the  Samaritans,  whose 
expectations  were  first  raised  by  the  woman's  declaration,  -ICome 
and  see  a  man  which  told  me  all  things  that  ever  1  did;  is  not 
this  the  Christ.''  bad  soon  a  more  convincing  testimony,  and 
could  say,  '  Now  we  believe,  not  because  of  tby  word,  but  we 
have  heard  him  ourselves,  and  know  that  this  is  indeed  the  Christ, 
the  Saviour  of  the  world.' 

To  a  few,  the  first  impulses  of  divine  grace  come  suddenlv  and 
uothoaght  of.  when  their  hearts  and  hands  are  en^ajzed  ouiie 
another  way :  as  Saul,  who  was  seeking  his  fathers  asses,  re- 
ceived the  unexpected  news  of  a  kingdom.  A  ray  of  truth  pier- 
ces their  minds  like  lightning,  and  disposes  them  to  leave  their 
schemes  unfinished  to  seek  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  his  ri_!.:- 
eoasness  only.  ];Thus  onr  Lord  passed  by  the  sons  of  Zeh^  . 
when  mending  their  nets,  and  ] Matthew  while  busied  at  the  re- 
ceipt of  custom.  He  only  said,  •  Follow  me;'  he  used  no  arsn- 
roents.  be  proposed  no  rewards;  but  he  spoke  to  their  hearts,  and 
by  the  constrain'mg  power  of  his  love,  engaged  them  to  a  cheer- 
ful and  iicmediate  obedience. 

Affliciior:;  likewise  are  now,  no  less  than  formerly,  a  hapr% 
means  to  bring  many  to  Jesus.  He  prepares  them  for  iieaver.A 
blessings    by  embittering  or  removing   their  creature  comforts. 

*■  Jehu  xii-  39.  -  Lake  xix-  5. 

:  John  h.  £9.  i2.  "Msrk  :.  10—13.  vJli-'E  ;„  14. 


28S 


A    REVIEW     OF  [Book  1. 

Hod  they  continued  in  prosperity  they  would  not  have  thought 
on  him:  but  the  loss  of  health,  or  friends,  or  substance,  disap- 
pointments in  life,  or  a  near  prospect  of  death,  constram  them  in 
sood  earnest  to  seek  for  one  able  to  deliver  them.  In  the  tuue 
of  their  distress  they  say,  Arise  and  save  us.  Not  tliat  afflictions 
in  themselves  can  produce  this  turn  of  thought.  Too  many,  in 
such  circumstances,  toss  like  a  wild  bull  ina  net;  but  vvhen  he 
sends  afflictions  for  that  purpose,  they  accomplish  that  which  he 
pleases  Thus,  when  he  was  upon  earth,  many  who  came  or 
were  brought  to*  him  for  the  relief  of  bodily  disorders,  experi- 
enced a  double  cure.  fHe  healed  their  diseases,  and  pardoned 
their  sins.  At  the  same  time  that  he  restored  thej  blind  to  sight, 
he  opened  the  eyes  of  their  minds.  He  sometimes  made  the  a  - 
llictions  of  one,  the  means  to  bring  a  whole  family  to  the  knowl- 
edi-e  of  his  grace.  A  considerable  part  of  his  followers  were 
such  as  these,  whom  he  had  graciously  relieved  from  distresses 
incurable  by  any  hand  but  his.  Some  had  been  long  and  griev- 
ously tormented,  had  essayed  every  means,  but  found  themseU'es 
worse  and  worse  till  they  applied  to  him  ;  and  having  known  the 
happy  effects  of  his  power  and  compassion,  they  would  leave  him 

no  more.  .  . 

Lastly,  we  sometimes  meet  with  instances  ol   his  mercy  ana 
ability  to'  save  even  to  the  uttermost,  in  the  unhoped-for  conver- 
sion of  desperate  and  hardened  sinners,  who  have  gone  on  with  a 
hi-h  hand,  regardless  of  mercies,  warnings,  and  judgments,  till 
th?y  seemed   past  conviction,  and  given  up  to  a  reprobate  mmd. 
Their  state  resembles  that  of  the  demoniac,  Luke  vin.     1  hey  are 
so   entirely  under  the   power  of  the  devil,   (though  perhaps  they 
vainly  boast  of  freedom,)  that  no  arguments,  no  motives,  no  re- 
bolutions    can    restrain    them   within    bounds;    but   they    break 
throu'^h  every  tie  of  nature,  conscience,  and  reason,  and  are  rest- 
less d'ludges  in  the  service  of  sin,  though  they  feel  themselves 
miserable  at  present,  and  see   inevitable  ruin  before   their  eyes. 
Yet  even  this  case  is  not  too  hard  for  him  on  whom  the  sinner  s 
help  is  laid.     He  can  dispossess  the  legion  with  a  word  ;  he  can 
take  the  prey  from   the  mighty,  and  deliver  the  lawful  captive ; 
bind  the  strong  one  armed,  and  divide  his  spoil.     Happy  change, 
when  the  power  of  grace  not  only  sets  the  soul  at  liberty  from 
sin  and  Satan,  but  puts  it  in  possession   ot  what  were  lately  the 
instruments   of  its  slavery  !  when  all  the  powers  and  faculties  ol 
body  and  mind  are  redeemed  to   the  Lord's  use,  and  the  experi- 
ence of  past  evil  is  made  conducive  to  future  comfort  and  advan- 
tage !     Such  an  instance  was  that  great  sinner,  that  pemtent,  be- 

*  3Iark  ii.  9.  1 3o\m  ix.  7-36-SS.  t  J"»in  iv.  53. 


Chap.  4.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  289 

lieving-,  happy  soul,  of  whom  it  is  emphatically  remarked,*  '  She 
loved  much,  because  much  liad  been  forgiven  her.'  Sometimes 
the  deliverance  is  deferred  till  near  the  period  of  life.  The 
poor  wretch,  labouring  under  the  pangs  or  dread  of  death,  and 
trembling  at  the  apprehension  of  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  liv- 
ing God,  is  snatched  as  a  brand  out  of  the  fire ;  he  receives  faith 
in  a  suffering  Saviour,  and  feels  the  power  of  atoning  blood  ;  his 
terrors  cease,  and  joy  succeeds,  a  joy  unsj^eakable  and  full  of 
glory.  Thus  the  expiring  malefaclor-f  was  converted  upon  the 
cross,  and  received  an  infallible  assurance  of  salvation. 

Thirdly.  The  characters  of  our  Lord's  disciples,  with  the  ac- 
count we  have  of  their  defects  and  failings,  may  further  illustrate 
the  history  of  his  church  and  Gospel,  and  afford  an  apology  for 
the  blemishes  which,  through  human  infirmity,  do,  more  or  less, 
attend  the  prevalence  of  his  doctrines. 

The  grace  of  God  has  a  real  inlluence  upon  the  whole  man. 
It  enlightens  the  understanding,  directs  the  will,  purifies  the  af- 
fection, regulates  the  passions,  and  corrects  the  different  excesses 
to  which  different  persons  are  by  constitution  or  habit  inclined. 
Yet  it  seldom  wholly  changes  the  complexion  or  temper  of  the 
animal  frame.  It  does  not  impart  any  new  natural  powers,  though 
it  teaches  the  use  and  improvement  of  those  we  have  received. 
It  will  dispose  us  to  seek  instruction,  make  us  open  to  conviction, 
and  willing  to  part  with  our  prejudices,  so  far  and  so  soon  as  we 
discover  them  ;  but  it  will  not  totally  and  instantaneously  re- 
move them.  Hence  there  area  great  variety  of  characters  in  the 
Christian  life;  and  the  several  graces  of  the  Spirit,  as  zeal,  love, 
meekness,  faith,  appear  with  peculiar  advantage  in  different  sub- 
jects ;  yet  so,  that  every  commendable  property  is  subject  to  its 
particular  inconvenience.  Perfection  cannot  be  found  in  fallen 
man.  The  best  are  sometimes  blameable,  and  the  wisest  often 
mistaken.  Warm  and  active  tempers,  though  influenced,  in  the 
main,  by  the  noble  ambition  of  pleasing  God  in  all  things,  are 
apt  to  overshoot  themselves,  and  to  discover  a  resentment  and 
keenness  of  spirit  which  cannot  be  wholly  justified.  Others,  of 
a  more  fixed  and  sedate  temper,  though  less  subject  to  this  ex- 
treme, are  prone  to  its  opposite;  their  gentleness  degenerates  into 
indolence,  their  caution  into  cowardice.  The  principle  of  self, 
likewise,  which,  though  subdued,  is  not  eradicated,  will  in  some  in- 
stances appear.  Add  to  this,  the  unknown  access  and  influence 
which  the  evil  spirits  have  upon  our  minds  ;  the  sudden  and  new 
emergencies  which  surprise  us  into  action  before  we  have  had 
time  to  deliberate ;  with  many  other  considerations  of  a  like  na- 

*  Luke  vii.  47.  r  Tiuke  xxiii.  43- 

Vol.  II.  37 


290  A  REVIEW    OF  [Book  1  , 

ture;  and  it  will  be  no  wonder  that  some  things  are  always 
amiss,*  in  the  best  and  most  successful  attempts  to  promote  the 
'-•lory  of  God  and  the  good  of  souls.  And  it  is  further  to  be  no- 
Ted,  that  some  individuals  will  be  found,  who,  though  seemingly 
engaged  in  the  same  good  work,  and,  for  a  time,  pretending  to 
much  zeal,  are  essentially  defective  in  their  hearts  and  views  ;  and 
when,  at  length,  their  true  characters  are  exposed,  the  world, 
nho  either  cannot  or  will  not  distinguish,  charge  ihe  faults  of  a 
fow  upon  a  whole  profession  ;  as,  in  the  former  case,  ihey  wound 
the  character  of  a  good  man  for  unavoidable  and  involuntary  mis- 
lakes.  We  shall,  therefore,  show  tli-at  either  the  exceptions  made, 
and  so  loudly  reverberated  in  our  ears  against  the  Gospel  doc- 
trine, on  these  accounts,  are  unjust,  or  that  there  was  sufficient 
cause  to  reject  and  condemn  our  Lord  and  his  apostles  for  the 
same  reasons. 

T^e  character  of  Peter  is  marked  with  admirable  propriety  and 
consistence  by  the  evangelists.  He  every  where  appears  like 
himself.  Earnestly  devoted  to  his  Master's  person,  and  breath- 
ing an  honest  warmth  for  his  service,  he  was,  in  a  manner,  the 
eye,  the  hand,  the  mouth  of  the  apostles.  He  was  the  first  to 
ask,  to  answer,  to  propose,  and  to  execute.  He  made  a  noble 
confession,  for  which  our  Lord  honoured  him  with  a  peculiar 
commendation.  He  waited  but  for  a  command  to  walk  to  him 
upon  the  water.  He  was  not  afraid  to  expose  himself  in  his 
Lord's  defence  when  he  was  surrounded  and  apprehended  by  his 
enemies  ;  and  though,  in  this  last  instance,  his  affection  was  ill 
expressed,  yet  his  motive  was  undoubtedly  praiseworthy.  His 
heart  flamed  with  zeal  and  love,  and  therefore  he  was  always  for- 
ward to  distinguish  himself. 

But  the  warmth  of  Peter's  temper  often  betrayed  him  into  great 
difficulties,  and  showed  that  the  grace  he  had  received  was  con- 
sistent with  many  imperfections.  Though  he  sincerel}'  loved 
Christ,  and  had  forsaken  all  for  him,  he  was,  at  one  time,  so  ig- 
norant of  the  true  design  of  his  incarnation,  that  he  was  angry  and 
impatient  to  hear  him  speak  of  his  sufferings,  and  brought  upon 
himself  a  most  severe  rebuke.  Not  content  with  the  ordinary 
services  allotted  to  him,  he  offered  himself  to  unnecessary  trials, 
as  in  the  above  instance,  when  he  pressed  to  walk  upon  the  wa- 
ter.    The  event  showed  him  his  own  weakness  and  insufficiency', 

*  A  lukewarm,  cautious  spirit,  can  easily  avoii]  and  readily  censure  the  mis- 
takes and  faults  of  those  who,  faed  with  an  honest  warmth  for  the  honour  of 
God,  and  the  good  of  souls,  are  sometimes  transported  beyond  the  hounds  of 
strict  prudence.  But  though  tiie  best  intention  cannot  make  that  right  which 
is  wrong  in  itself,  yet  the  zeal,  diligence,  and  disinterestr  d  ;iim  of  such  persons 
are  wortliv  of  our  esteem. 


Chap.  4,]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  291 

yet  his  self-confidence  revived  and  continued.  When  our  Lord 
warned  him  again  and  again  of  his  approaching  fall,  he  thought, 
and  boldly  affirmed  that  it  was  impossible.  He  was  jsincere  in 
iiis  protestation,  but  the  actual  experiment  was  necessary  to  con- 
vince and  humble  him  :  accordingly,  when  left  to  himself,  he  fell 
before  the  first  temptation.  And  here  the  impetuosity  of  his  tem- 
per was  still  manifest.  He  did  not  stop  at  a  simple  denial  of 
Jesus,  he  confirmed  it  by  an  oath,*  and  at  length  proceeded  to 
utter  bitter  imprecations  against  liimself,  if  he  so  much  as  knew 
him,  whom  he  had  seen  transfigured  in  glory  upon  the  mount, 
and  prostrate  in  an  agony  in  the  garden.  Such  was  the  weakness 
and  mconsistence  of  this  prince  of  the  apostles. 

None  of  these  excesses  appeared  in  the  conduct  of  the  traitor 
Judas.  He  was  so  circumspect  and  reserved  that  we  do  not  find 
any  of  the  disciples  had  the  least  suspicion  of  him.  But,  whilst 
his  heart  was  full  of  wickedness,  he  could  find  fault  with  others, 
and  charge  their  best  expressions  of  love  with  indiscretion.  When 
Mary  anointed  our  Lord's  feet  with  ointment,  j  he  was  displeased 
at  the  waste,  and  professed  a  warm  concern  for  the  poor  ;  but  we 
are  told  the  true  reason  of  his  economy  :  it  was  not  because  he 
oared  for  the  poor,  but  because  he  was  a  thief,  and  had  the  bag. 
which  contained  the  common  stock,  intrusted  to  him.  The  charge 
of  the  bag  is  an  ofiice  full  of  temptation  ;  and  an  attachment  to 
the  bag  has  been  often  at  the  bottom  of  many  censures  and  mis 
representations  which  have  been  thrown  out  against  the  people  oj" 
God.  It  has  been,  and  it  will  be  so  ;  but  the  Lord  has  appoint- 
ed, that  wherever  the  Gospel  should  be  preached,  to  the  end  of 
the  world,  this  action  of  Mary,  with  the  observation  of  Judas  up- 
im  it,  and  the  motive  from  which  he  made  it,  should  be  handed 
down  together,  that  we  may  not  be  discouraged  at  things  of  the 
same  kind.  Without  doubt,  the  treason  of  Judas  and  his  unhap- 
py end,  after  having  maintained  a  fair  character  so  long,  and 
shared  with  the  rest  in  the  honours  of  the  apostleship,  were  to  thcni 
an  occasion  of  grief,  and  afibrded  their  enemies  a  subject  of  re- 
proach and  triumph.  But  we  may  believe  one  reason  why  our 
Lord  chose  Judas,  and  continued  him  so  long  with  his  disciples, 
to  have  been  that  we  might  learn  by  this  awful  instance,  not  to  be 
surprised  if  some,  who  have  made  a  show  in  the  church,  been 
chosen  to  important  offices,  and  furnished  with  excellent  gifts,  do, 

■5^  Mark  xiv.  71.  'He  began  to  curse  and  swear.'  Ava^tf^^ari^siv — to  impre- 
cate the  most  dreadful  curses  upon  Ininself,  and  call  solennily  on  God  to  exe- 
cute tliem.  Tins  was,  indeed,  ti)e  most  probal)le  method  to  free  himself  from 
the  suspicion  of  being  a  disciple  of  Jesus,  for  no  such  language  bad  been,  till 
then,  heard  among  his  followers. 

+  John  xii.  5,  6. 


292  A  ntviEW   01  [Book   1. 

in  tlie  end,  prove  Iiypocrltes  and  traitors.  '  Let  him  that  think- 
elh  jje  standeth,  take  heed  lest  he  fall.' 

A  desire  of  pre-eminence  and  distinction  is  very  unsuitable  to 
the  followers  of  Jesus,  who  made  himself  the  servant  of  all;  very 
unbecoming  the  best  of  the  children  of  men,  who  owe  their  breath 
to  the  mercy  of  God,  have  nothing  they  can  call  their  own,  and 
have  been  unfaithful  in  the  improvement  of  every  talent.  We  al- 
low that  every  appearance  of  this  is  a  blemish  in  the  Christian 
character,  and  especially  in  a  Christian  minister  ;  but,  if,  on 
some  occasion,  and  in  some  degree,  human  infirmity  has  wrought 
this  wa}',  though  no  example  can  justify  it,  yet  those  who  through 
ignorance  of  their  own  hearts,  are  too  rigid  ccnsurers  of  others, 
may  be  reminded,  that  this  evil  frequently  discovered  itself  in 
the  apostles.  They  often  disputed  who  should  be  the  greatest  ; 
and  when  our  Lord  was  speaking  of  liis  approaching  sufl'erings, 
two  of  them  chose  that  unseasonable  time  to  preclude  the  rest, 
and  petitioned  that  they  might  have  the  chief  seats  in  his  king- 
dom. The  first  offence  was  theirs  ;  but  when  the  ten  heard  it, 
they  were  all  moved  with  indignation,  and  showed  themselves 
equally  desirous  of  superiority.  It  is  plain,  therefore,  that,  un- 
less the  apostles  were  hypocrites  and  mercenaries,  some  transient 
escapes  of  this  sort  (though  confessedly  criminal  and  indecent) 
are  no  sure  proofs  that  such  a  person  is  not,  in  the  main,  sincere, 
disinterested,  and  truly  devoted  to  the  service  of  God  and  his 
Gospel. 

No  less  contrary  to  the  meek  and  gracious  spirit  of  Jesus,  is 
an  angry  zeal,  expressing  itself  in  terms  of  ill-will  and  bitterness 
to  those  who  oppose  or  injure  us.  One  of  the  highest  attain- 
ments and  brightest  evidences  of  true  grace,  is,  from  a  sense  of 
the  love  and  example  of  Christ,  to  show  bowels  of  mercy  and 
long-suffering  to  all  men,  and  by  perseverance  in  well-doing,  to 
overcome  evil  with  good.  And  a  contrary  behaviour  (if  freque»it 
and  notorious)  will,  like  a  dead  fly  in  precious  ointment,  destroy 
its  savour,  if  not  the  efficacy,  of  all  we  can  attempt  for  the  ser- 
vice of  God  in  the  world.  However,  if  repeated  falsehoods  and 
studied  provocations  do  sometimes,  in  an  unguarded  moment,  ex- 
tort from  the  disciples  of  Christ  such  expressions  and  marks  of 
displeasure,  as  in  their  cooler  hours  they  willingly  retract  and 
sincerely  re[)ent  of  before  God,  this  ought  not  to  be  exaggerated 
beyond  bounds,  as  an  offence  inconsistent  with  their  profession  ; 
at  least,  not  by  any  who  would  be  afraid  to  speak  dishonourably 
of  the  apostles  James  and  John,  who  once  went  so  far  in  their 


Chap.    4.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  293 

anger*  as  to  demand,  that  fire  miglit  be  sent  from  heaven  to  de- 
vour their  adversaries. 

We  miglit  proceed  to  other  particulars  ;  but  enough  has  been 
said  to  show  the  general  resemblance  which  the  preaching  of  the 
Gospel  in  later  times  bears  to  our  Lord's  personal  ministry. 
The  doctrine  is  the  same,  the  effects  the  same.  It  was,  and  it  is, 
to  many,  '  a  stone  of  stumbling,  and  a  rock  of  offence.'  The 
opposition  it  has  met  with  has  been  always  owing  to  the  same 
evil  principles  of  pride,  and  the  love  of  sin,  which  are  latent  in 
every  unrenewed  heart :  though  the  pretexts  are  various,  they 
may  be  reduced  to  a  kw  leading  motives,  which  are  always  at 
work.  The  professors  of  this  Gospel  have  at  no  time  been  very 
numerous,  if  compared  with  those  who  have  rejected  it  ;  and  of 
these  too  many  have  dishonoured  or  forsaken  it :  neither  have 
those  who  have  received  it  most  cordially,  and  been  most  desi- 
rous to  adorn  and  promote  it,  been  wholly  exempt  from  mistakes 
and  imperfections.  Tiie  tenour  of  their  conduct  has  proved  them 
partakers  of  a  more  excellent  spirit  than  others  ;  their  faith  in 
Jesus  has  not  been  an  empty  notion,  but  fruitful  of  good  works, 
such  as  no  man  could  do  except  God  was  with  him.  They  have 
been  governed  by  higher  motives,  and  devoted  to  nobler  aims, 
than  the  vvorld  can  either  understand  or  bear  ;  yet  thev  are  deep- 
ly conscious  of  inherent  infirmity',  and  sometimes,  to  their  great 
grief,  they  give  too  visible  proofs  of  it,  which  their  watchful  ad- 
versaries are  glad  to  aggravate,  and  charge  upon  them  as  conse- 
quences of  their  doctrine.  This  should  induce  all  who  love  the 
Lord  Jesus  to  redouble  their  guard,  and  to  pray,  with  David, 
that  they  may  be  led  in  the  right  way  because  of  their  obser- 
vers. If  the  question  is  concerning  the  infirmities  or  even  the 
vices  of  others,  almost  every  one  is  ready  to  plead  in  their  be- 
half: allowances  are  freely  and  largely  made  for  human  fiailt}". 
and  none  are  willing  to  be  thought  harsh  or  censorious.  Bat 
the  believer  in  Jesus  must  look  for  no  abatement  or  extenuation  ; 
even  the  professed  admirers  of  candour  and  charity  will  not  hes- 
itate to    put  the  worst  construction  upon  all   he  says  or  does  ; 

"  Luke  ix.  Di.  Tliev  thouc,ht  they  were  iiiiluenccd  Ity  a  coiniiienduble  zeal 
fortlieir  Master,  and  tliat  llicir  proposal  was  warranted  by  ■m  authorized  prece- 
dent. We  do  not  find  that  they  ever  wished  for  fire  to  coiibiiine  the  Scrllies  and 
Pharisees,  who  were  Christ's  most  inveterate  enemies.  iJnt  wiien  tlie  Samari- 
tans rejected  him,  the  vile  Samaritans,  whom  they,  upon  a  national  prejudice, 
had  been  accustomed  to  hate  ;  then  their  liearts  deceived  them,  and  titey  indul- 
ged their  own  corrupt  passions,  while  tliey  supposed  they  were  animated  by  a 
zeal  for  Christ.  Are  we  not  often  deceived  in  the  same  way  .''  Can  we  not 
silently  bear,  or  insenuoiisly  extenuate,  the  faults  and  mistakes  of  our  own  par 
ty,  while  we  are  ail  zeal  and  emotion  to  expose,  censure,  and  condemn  what  is 
aniiss  in  others .' 


294  A  REVIEW  OF  [Book  1. 

for  thev  are  seeking  occasion  to  wound  the  Gospel  through  his 
misconduct.  They  are  sensible  that  he  is  generally  above  them, 
and  therefore  rejoice  to  find,  or  pretend,  a  flaw,  on  which  they 
may  expatiate,  to  reduce  bini  as  near  as  possible  to  their  own 
level.  Though  if  their  censures  are  extended  to  their  just  con- 
sequence, they  will  (as  we  have  seen)  fall  hard  upon  the  apostles 
themselves. 

I  hope  that  what  I  have  said  upon  this  subject  will  neither 
be  misunderstood  nor  perverted.  We  do  not  defend  even  the 
infirmities  of  the  best  men  ;  much  less  would  we  provide  a  plea 
for  persecution  or  ambition.  Let  not  the  man  who  supposes 
gain  to  be  godliness,  who  makes  the  Gospel  a  ladder  where- 
by to  climb  the  heights  of  worldly  preferment,  whose  heart,  like 
the  insatiable  fire,  is  craving  more,  and  practising  every  art  to 
accumulate  wealth  and  honour  in  the  church  ;  let  not  the  proud 
man,  who  would  lord  it  over  conscience,  and,  though  unable 
to  command  fire  from  heaven,  would  gladly  prepare  fire  and 
slaughter  upon  earth  for  all  who  will  not  venture  their  souls 
upon  his  faith  ;  let  not  these  avail  themselves  of  the  examples 
of  James  and  John  ;  but  rather  let  them  tremble  at  the  reflec- 
tion, that,  while  they  manifest  no  part  of  the  apostles'  graces, 
they  are  entirely  possessed  of  those  tempers,  the  smallest  tra- 
ces of  which  our  Lord  so  severely  rebuked  in  his  disciples. 

The  first  believers,  though  not  faultless,  were  sincere.  The 
natural  disposition  of  their  hearts  was  changed  ;  they  believed 
in  Jesus,  they  loved  him,  they  devoted  themselves  to  his  ser- 
vice, they  submitted  to  his  instructions,  shared  in  his  reproach, 
and  could  not  be  either  enticed  or  intimidated  to  leave  him.  Their 
gracious  Master  was  their  guide  and  guard,  their  advocate  and 
counsellor  ;  when  they  were  in  want,  in  danger,  in  trouble,  or  in 
doubt,  they  applied  to  him,  and  found  relief  ;  hence  they  learned, 
by  degrees,  to  cast  all  their  care  upon  him.  He  corrected  every 
wrong  disposition  ;  he  pardoned  their  failings,  and  enabled  them 
to  do  better.  His  precepts  taught  them  true  wisdom  ;  and  his 
own  example,  which,  to  those  who  loved  him,  had  the  force  of  a 
thousand  precepts,  was  at  once  the  model  and  the  motive  of  their 
obedience.  To  make  them  ashamed  of  aspiring  to  be  chief,  he 
himself,  though  Lord  of  all,  conversed  among  them  as  a  servant, 
and  condescended  to  wash  their  feet.  To  teach  them  forbear- 
ance and  gentleness  to  their  opposers,  they  saw  him  weep  over 
his  bitterest  enemies,  and  heard  him  pray  for  his  actual  murder- 
ers. 

Thus  thoy  gradually  advanced  in  faith,  love,  and  holiness,  as 
the  experience  of  every  day  disclosed  to  ihem  some  new  discove- 
ry of  the  treasures  of  wisdom,  grace  and  power,  residing  in  their 


Ghap.  4.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  295 

Lord  and  Saviour.  He  explained  to  them  in  private  the  difficul- 
ties which  occurred  in  his  more  public  discourses ;  by  his  obser- 
vations on  the  common  occurrences  of  life,  he  opened  to  them  the 
mysterious  volumes  of  creation  and  providence,  which  none  but 
those  whom  he  vouchsafes  to  teach  can  understand  aright ;  he 
prayed  for  them,  and  with  them,  and  taught  them  to  pray  for 
themselves  ;  he  revealed  unto  them  the  unseen  realities  of  the 
eternal  world,  and  supported  them  under  the  prospect  of  ap- 
proaching trials ;  particularly  of  his  departure  from  them,  by  as- 
suring them  that  he  was  going,  on  their  behalf,  to  prepare  them  a 
place  in  his  kingdom,  and  that,  in  a  little  time  he  would  return  to 
receive  them  to  himself,  that  they  might  dwell  with  him  for  ever. 
What  he  personally  spoke  to  them,  and  acted  in  their  presence, 
was  recorded  by  his  direction,  and  has  been  preserved  by  his 
providence  for  the  use  and  comfort  of  his  church  :  though  his 
enemies  have  raged  horribly,  they  have  not  been  able  to  suppress 
the  divine  volume  ;  and  though  invisible  to  mortal  eyes,  he  is  still 
near  to  all  that  seek  him,  and  so  supplies  the  want  of  his  bodily 
presence  by  the  secret  communications  of  his  Spirit,  that  his  peo- 
ple have  no  reason  to  complain  of  any  disadvantage.  Though 
they  see  him  not,  they  believe,  love,  rejoice,  and  obey  ;  their  at- 
tention and  dependance  are  fixed  upon  him  ;  they  intrust  him  with 
all  their  concerns  ;  they  rely  upon  his  promises  ;  they  behold  him 
as  their  high  priest,  advocate,  and  shepherd  ;  they  live  upon  his 
fulness,  and  plead  his  righteousness ;  and  they  find  and  feel  that 
their  reliance  is  not  in  vain. 

The  disciples  were  content,  for  his  sake,  to  bear  the  scorn  and 
injurious  treatment  of  the  world  ;  they  expected  no  better  usage, 
nor  desired  a  higher  honour,  than  to  be  fellow-sufierers  with  their 
Lord.  When  he  proposed  returning  to  Judea,  at  a  time  they 
thought  dangerous,  and  they  could  not  alter  his  purpose,  they 
did  not  wish  to  be  left  behind  ;  '  Let  us  go,'  says  one  of  them  to 
the  rest,  '  that  we  may  die  with  him.'  It  is  true,  when  he  was  ac- 
tually apprehended,  the  first  shock  of  the  trial  was  too  strong: 
they  forsook  him  and  fled.  He  permitted  this,  both  to  exempt 
them  from  danger,  and  to  let  them  know,  that  of  themselves  they 
could  do  nothing.  But  it  seems  they  did  not  go  far.  Wiieii 
Thomas  afterwards  said,  '  Except  I  shall  see  in  his  hands  tlie 
print  of  the  nails,  and  put  my  finger  into  the  print  of  the  nails, 
and  thrust  my  hand  into  his  side,  I  will  not  beheve,'  he  spoke  like 
one  who  had  been  an  eye  witaess  to  his  sufl'erings,  and  expresses 
an  earnestness,  as  if  he  still  saw  him  wounded  and  bleeding.  This 
catastrophe,  indeed,  almost  disconcerted  them  ;  they  had  trusted 
it  was  he  that  should  deliver  Israel ;  but  they  saw  him  oppressed 
and  slain  bv  wicked  men.     From  that  time  to  his  resurrection  wa< 


29G    '  A   iiEviEW  Of  [Book  1. 

a  mournful  interval,  the  darkest  and  most  distressing  period  his 
churcii  ever  knew. 

But  the  third  day  dispelled  their  grief;  he  returned  victorious 
from  the  grave,  proclaimed  peace  by  the  blood  of  the  ci-oss;  he 
declared  (and  his  appearance  proved  it)  that  the  ransom  was  paid 
and  accepted,  and  that,  having  now  overcome  the  sharpness  of 
death,  he  had  opened  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all  believers. 
Then  he  spoke  peace  to  their  hearts,  he  opened  their  understand- 
ings to  know  the  Scriptures,  and  breathed  upon  them  his  Holy 
Spirit;  he  conversed  frequently  with  them  during  forty  days, 
gave  them  a  large  commission  to  preach  his  Gospel,  and  an  in- 
valuable promise  of  his  presence  with  them  to  the  end  of  the 
world. 

When  he  had  thus  confirmed  them  by  those  instructions  and 
assurances  which  his  wisdom  saw  necessary,  he  was  received  up 
to  heaven.  They  followed  him  with  their  hearts  and  eyes  awhile, 
and  then  returned  to  Jerusalem  rejoicing.  They  were  not  asham- 
ed of  their  crucified  Lord,  or  unwilling  to  bear  the  contemptuous 
names  of  Galileans  or  Nazarenes,  for  his  sake.  They  were  not 
afraid,  as  if  left  like  sheep  without  a  shepherd  in  the  midst  of  their 
enemies.  They  knew  that,  though  they  could  see  him  no  more, 
his  eye  would  be  always  upon  them,  and  his  ear  open  to  their 
prayer.  They  waited,  according  to  his  command,  for  a  further 
supply  of  his  Spirit,  to  qualify  them  for  the  important  and  difficult 
services  which  were  before  them.  Nor  did  they  wait  long  :  a 
few  days  after  his  ascension,  while  they  were  praying  with  one 
heart  and  mind,  the  place  where  they  were  assembled  was  shaken 
as  with  a  mighty  wind  ;  the  Spirit  of  power  and  wisdom  was 
abundantly  communicated  to  them  ;  they  spoke  with  new  tongues, 
and  immediately  began  to  preach  boldly  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus. 

With  this  solemn  and  memorable  event,  I  shall  open  the  second 
book,  and  take  up  the  thread  of  the  Gospel  History  from  that  glo- 
rious day  of  Divine  Power.  The  contents  of  this  first  book, 
namely,  a  brief  view  of  the  necessity  and  nature  of  the  Gospel 
dispensation,  the  causes  why  it  is  and  has  been  opposed,  and  the 
circumstances  of  the  first  believers,  1  have  premised,  as  general 
principles,  for  my  own  and  the  reader's  assistance  in  the  progress 
of  this  work. 

It  is  much  to  be  wished,  that  every  reader  might  be  impressed 
with  the  importance  of  our  subject.  It  is  not  a  point  of  curiosity, 
but  of  universal  concern,  and  that  in  the  highest  and  most  inter- 
esting sense.  Most  of  the  researches  and  disquisitions  which  em- 
ploy the  time  and  talents  of  men,  are  of  a  trivial  or  iudillbrent 
nature.     We  may  range  on  dificrent  sides  concerning  them  ;  wn 


Chap.  4.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  29Y 

may  give,  or  refuse,  or  retract  our  assent,  when  and  as  often  as 
we  please.  We  may  be  totally  ignorant  of  them  without  loss,  or 
be  skilled  in  them  all  without  deriving  any  solid  comfort  or  ad- 
vantage from  them.  But  the  Gospel  of  Christ  is  not  like  the  dry, 
uninteresting  theories  of  human  wisdom;  it  will  either  wound  or 
heal  ;  be  a  savour  of  life  or  of  death,  a  source  of  endless  comfort, 
or  the  occasion  of  aggravated  condemnation  to  all  that  hear  of  it. 
To  receive  it,  is  to  receive  the  earnest  and  assurance  of  eternal 
happiness  ;  to  reject  it,  or  remain  wilfully  ignorant  of  its  charac- 
ters and  properties,  will  leave  the  soul  oppressed  with  guilt,  and 
exposed  to  the  wrath  of  God  for  ever.  It  highly  concerns  us, 
therefore,  to  inquire,  whether  we  believe  the  Gospel  or  no  ;  wheth- 
er what  we  call  the  Gospel,  is  the  same  that  Christ  and  his  apos- 
tles taught,  and  whether  it  has  had  the  same  or  similar  cfi'ect^ 
upon  our  hearts.  We  live  where  the  Gospel  is  generally  pro- 
fes'ied,  and  we  are  reputed  Christians  from  our  cradles  ;  but  the 
word  of  God  cautions  us  to  take  heed  lest  we  be  deceived.  We 
.see  Christianity  divided  Into  innumerable  sects  and  parties,  each 
supported  by  names,  arguments,  and  books,  and  fighting  for  the 
credit  of  a  denomination.  But  how  many  forget,  that,  in  a  little 
time,  all  these  divisions  and  subdivisions  will  be  reduced  to  two  ; 
the  only  real  and  proper  distribution  by  which  mankind  (as  to 
their  religious  character)  ever  was  or  will  be  distinguished,  and 
according  to  which  their  final  states  will  be  speedily  decided — ik(^ 
children  of  God,  and  the  children  of  the  wicked  one. 


Vol.  II.  38 


BOOK  II. 

OP  THE  SECOND  PERIOD  OF  CHRISTIANITY. 


That  I  may  neither  encumber  the  series  of  the  history  with  too  many 
digressions,  nor  deprive  myself  of  the  opportunity  of  making  such  obser- 
vations as  the  subject  will  suggest  conducive  to  our  main  design,  I  pro- 
pose, in  the  first  chapter  of  this  and  the  succeeding  book,  to  give  a 
succinct  view  of  the  progress  and  state  of  Christianity  during  each  peri- 
od ;  and  then,  by  way  of  Appendix,  to  add  one  or  more  chapters,  (as 
may  be  necessary)  on  such  particulars  as  are  of  mpre  immediate  applica- 
H"oR  to  the  circumstances  of  our  own  time«. 


Chap.  1.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTOBY.  209 


.     CHAPTER  I. 

-Gf  the  progress  of  the  Gospel  from  our  Lord^s  Ascension  to  the  chse  of  the 

first  Century. 

The  natural  weakness  of  man  is  conspicuous  in  his  most  im- 
portant undertakings  :  having  no  fund  of  sufficiency  in  himself, 
he  is  forced  to  collect  all  from  without ;  and  if  the  greatness  of 
his  preparations  are  not  answerable  to  the  extent  of  his  designs, 
he  has  little  hopes  of  success.  Further  :  when  he  has  planned 
and  provided  to  the  utmost  of  his  power,  he  is  still  subject  to  in- 
numerable contingencies,  which  he  can  neither  foresee  nor  pre- 
vent ;  and  lias  often  the  mortification  to  see  his  fairest  prospects 
blasted,  and  the  whole  apparatus  of  his  labour  and  care  only  con- 
tribute to  make  his  disappointment  more  conspicuous  and  pain- 
ful. 

The  reverse  of  this  is  the  character  of  the  wonder-working- 
God.  To  his  power  every  thing  is  easy  ;  he  knows  how  to  em- 
ploy every  creature  and  contingence  as  a  means  to  accomplish 
his  designs  ;  not  a  seeming  difficulty  can  intervene  but  by  his 
permission,  and  he  only  permits  it  to  illustrate  his  own  wisdom 
and  agency  in  making  it  subservient  to  his  will.  Thus,  having 
all  hearts  and  events  in  his  hands,  he  fulfils  his  own  counsels  with 
the  utmost  ease  and  certainty  ;  and,  to  show  that  the  work  is  his 
own,  he  often  proceeils  by  such  methods  as  vain  men  account 
weak  and  insignificant,  producing  the  most  extensive  and  glorious 
consequences  from  small  and  inconsiderable  beginnings.  Thus 
the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  purposed  to  stain  the  pride  of  human 
glory. 

This  observation  might  be  confirmed  by  innumerable  examples 
taken  from  the  common  history  and  experience  of  mankind  ;  but 
the  subject  of  our  present  undertaking  exhibits  the  most  illustri- 
ous proof.  When  the  Jews  had  seen  Jesus  crucified,  dead  and 
buried,  they  expected  to  hear  no  more  of  him.  His  disciples 
were  few,  men  of  no  authority,  learning,  or  influence  ;  and  since 
their  Master,  who  had  made  them  such  large  promises,  was  at 
last  unable  to  save  himself  from  death,  it  was  probably  expected 
that  his  followers  would  disperse  of  course,  forsake  their  supposed 
delusion,  and  return  to  their  fishing,  and  other  employments  suit- 
ed to  their  capacities  and  talents. 

They  knew  not  that  Jesus  had  arisen  fronl  the  dead,  and  had 
frequently  shown  himself  to  his  servants,  to  comfort  and  confirm 
their  hearts,     ^-hey  little  thought  that  he.  whom  t-liey  haH  secu 


300  A  RKViEW  OF  [Book  2. 

expire  on  the  cross,  was  iramoveably  seated  at  the  right  hand  of 
God,  possessed  of  all  power  in  heaven  and  earth  :  but  his  disci- 
ples knew  this,  and  therefore  continued  to  assemble  in  his  name. 
We  do  not  find  that  there  was  much  notice  taken  of  them  till  the 
feast  of  Pentecost,  which  was  about  ten  days  after  his  ascension. 
At  this  season,*  by  the  Jewish  law,  the  first-fruits  of  the  earth 
were  presented  at  the  temple  :  an  appointment,  typical  of  those 
more  sublime  first-fruits  of  spiritual  ii;ifts  and  graces  with  which 
the  Lord  on  this  day  enriched  his  disciples,  (according  to  his 
promise,)  enabling  them  to  preach  his  Gospel,  and  make  his 
word  efl'ectual  to  the  conversion  of  a  large  multitude:  as  an  ear- 
nest of  that  divine  power  by  which  he  could  support  and  extend 
his  church  and  ministry  to  the  end  of  the  world. 

Wiien  the  hearts  of  God's  people  are  united  in  love,  and  plead- 
ing his  promises  in  the  fervent  exercise  of  faith  and  prayer,  great 
things  may  be  expected.  Such  was  the  happy  state  of  his  disci- 
ples on  this  solemn  day.  They  were  assembled  with  one  accord  : 
no  jars  or  divisions  had  as  yet  taken  place  among  them  ;  they 
were  animated  with  one  desire,  and  praying  with  one  mind  ;  sud- 
denly and  wonderfully  they  obtained  an  answer  :  the  place  they 
were  in  was  shaken  as  by  a  mighty  wind  ;f  their  hearts  were 
filled  with  the  powerful  energy  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  they 
were  instantaneously  enabled  to  speak  languages  which  till  then 
they  were  unacquainted  with.  These  inward  powers  were  ac- 
companied with  the  visible  symbols  of  fiery  tongues,  which  sat 
upon  each  of  their  heads  :  a  fit  emblem  both  of  the  new  faculties 
they  had  received,  and  of  the  conquering,  assimilating  efiicacy  of 
the  Spirit  by  whom  they  spoke  ;  whose  operations,  like  the  fire, 
arc  vehement,  penetrating,  transforming,  and  difilisive  ;  spreading 
from  heart  to  heart,  from  place  to  place,  till  the  flame,  which  was 
now  confined  within  a  few  breasts,  was  communicated  to  many 
nations,  people,  and  languages. 

The  effects  of  this  divine  communication  were  immediately 
manifest :  they  v/ere  filled  with  love,  joy,  and  faith,  and  began 
boldly  and  publicly  to  praise  God.  Their  emotion  and  z,eal 
could  not  be  long  unnoticed  :  those  who  first  observed  it  spoke 
of  it  to  others,  and  a  rumour  was  spread  abroad.  Jerusalem  wa^ 
at  that  time  the  occasional  resort  of  the  Jews  and  Jewish  prose- 
lytes, who  were  dispersed  throughout  the  known  world,  and  mul- 
titudes had  come  from  different  countries  to  celebrate  the  feast. 

•'Tiberius,  a.  d.  33.  In  fixing  the  dates  of  our  history,  I  sliail  conform  to  what 
I  think  the  most  probable  and  authorised  opinion,  without  perplexing  either  my- 
self or  my  readers  with  tlse  niceties  of  critical  chronology. 

t  Acts  ii. 


Chap.    1.}  KCCLESIA5TICAL     HISTORY.  301 

The  promiscuous  throng,  who  assembled  upon  the  report,  and 
had  been  accustomed  to  difierent  languages,  were  therefore  greatly 
astonished  to  hear  of  the  wonderful  works  of  God,  every  man  in 
his  own  tongue.  While  some  expressed  their  surprise  at  this, 
others  ascribed  it  to  the  effects  of  wine,  and  showed  their  scorn 
and  despite  to  the  Spirit  of  grace,  by  reviling  the  apostles  as 
drunkards.  Thus  they  no  sooner  entered  upon  their  public  ser- 
vice, than  they  began  to  find  the  same  treatment  which  their 
Lord  had  met  with,  and  were,  for  his  sake,  the  subjects  of  cal- 
limny  and  derision.  This  is  a  remarkable  instance  of  the  saga- 
city and  temper  which  the  men  of  the  world  discover  in  the 
judgment  they  form  of  a  work  of  God  ;  nor  is  it  probable  that 
our  modern  reasoners  would  have  judged  more  favourably,  if  they 
could  have  been  present  at  such  a  scene,  where  several  persons 
were  speaking  loud  at  the  same  time,  and  each  in  a  different  lan- 
guage ;  since  they  account  the  operations  of  the  same  Spirt  mad- 
ness and  folly,  even  where  they  are  not  attended  with  such 
extraordinary  circumstances. 

This  weak  and  perverse  slander  was  immediately  refuted  by 
the  apostle  Peter,  who  addressed  the  people  in  a  grave  and  sol- 
emn discourse  :  and  having,  in  few  words,  explained  the  nature 
of  the  fact,  and  shown  that  it  was  an  accomplishment  of  ancient 
prophecies,  he  proceeded  to  apply  himself  more  closely  to  their 
consciences.  He  assured  them  that  what  they  saw  and  heard  was 
wrought  by  the  power  of  Jesus  ot"  Nazareth,  whom  they  had  re- 
jected before  Pilate.  He  informed  them  of  that  honour  and  glory 
which  he  now  possessed,  and  charged  theai  as  accomplices  in  the 
murder  of  a  person  whose  character  and  dignity  God  had  vindi- 
cated, by  raising  him  from  the  dead.  Though  our  Saviour  had 
but  few  disciples  during  his  personal  ministry,  he  had  doubtless 
left  a  deep  impression  of  his  words  and  works  in  the  liearts  of 
man}'.  This  discourse  of  Peter  would  naturally  recall  him  to  the 
remembrance  of  tliose  who  had  seen  him  in  the  flesh,  and  lead 
them  to  reflect  how  earnestly  and  unjustly  they  had,  at  the  insti- 
gation of  their  priests,  compelled  Pilate  to  put  him  to  death. 
These  reflections,  the  closeness  of  Peter's  address,  and  the  power 
of  the  Spirit  of  God,  concurred  to  give  them  a  deep  conviction  of 
their  sin.  Tiiey  were  pierced  to  the  heart.  They  no  longer  won- 
dered as  curious  spectators  ;  but  were  solicitous  for  themstflves. 
and  cried  out,  '  brethren,  what  shall  we  do  r'  Peter  then  pro- 
ceeded to  open  the  treasure  of  Gospel-grace,  and  to  direct  them 
to  Jesus,  whom  they  had  crucified,  for  salvation.  The  effect  of 
this  day's  preaching  (for  though  only  Peter  is  named,  it  is  prob- 
able there  were  more  than  one  preacher  or  one  discourse)  was  sig- 
nally happy.     Three  thousand  souls   were  converted,  and,  pro- 


502  A  REVIEW    OF  [Book  2. 

fessipg  their  faith  and   repentance,  were,  by  baptism,  publicly 
joined  to  the  church. 

A  further  addition  was  soon  after  made.  Peter  and  John* 
having  recovered  a  man  from  incurable  lameness,  by  faith  in  the 
name  of  Jesus,  the  report  of  the  miracle  brought  a  great  con- 
course of  people  together  a  second  time.  Peter  improved  the 
occasion  to  preach  to  them  at  the  temple  gate,  to  the  purport  of 
his  former  discourse.  He  had  an  attentive  auditory  ;  and  his 
word  was  made  effectual  to  the  conversion  of  many.  But  by  this 
time  the  enemies  of  Jesus  were  greatly  alarmed  at  the  progress  of 
his  doctrine ;  and  havingf  notice  of  what  had  passed,  the  priests 
and  Sadducees  violently  apprehended  Peter,  with  John,  and  put 
them  in  prison.  He  had  not  finished  his  discourse,  but  he  had 
said  enough  to  be  remembered  ;  and  this  interruption,  with  the 
boldness  of  his  following  defence,  made  his  words  more  regarded. 
The  next  day  they  were  brought  before  the  high  priest,  rulers, 
and  elders  ;  and  being  asked  concerning  the  late  miracle,  Peter, 
who  once  had  trembled  at  the  voice  of  a  girl,  was  not  afraid  to 
use  the  utmost  freedom  and  plainness  with  the  council  and  heads 
of  the  Jewish  nation.  He  confessed  the  name  and  cause  of  Jesus  : 
reminded  them  of  their  wickedness  in  causing  him  to  be  crucified, 
and,  in  direct  answer  to  their  question,  assured  them  that  the  mi- 
racle was  wrought  in  his  name,  and  by  his  power.  Though  the 
council  were  highly  offended  with  this  language,  and  the  more 
so,  as  they  observed  the  persons  who  spoke  were  private  and  un- 
lettered men  ;  yet,  being  unable  to  deny  the  fact,  (for  the  man 
who  had  been  lame  stood  before  them,)  and  unwilling  to  incur  the 
odium  of  punishing  an  action  they  were  ashamed  to  disapprove, 
they  dissembled  their  rage,  and  forbidding  the  apostles  to  speak 
any  more  to  the  people,  they  dismissed  them  :  yet  they  did  not 
depart  until  they  had  protested  against  this  inhibition,  and  declar- 
ed their  resolution  to  obey  God  rather  than  man. 

The  believers,  though  numerous,  amounting  to  many  thousands, 
lived  in  harmony  and  love,  as  children  of  one  family.  The 
greater  part  of  them  were  poor  ;  those,  therefore,  who  had  estates 
or  money,  willingly  put  their  all  into  a  common  stock,  for  the  use 

"  Acts  iii. 

t  Acts  iv,  ICf  J  7,  Many  consultations  have  beeu  lield,  and  devices  iVamcd. 
fo  stop  the  process  of  tlie  Gospel,  as  if  it  was  a  dangerous  infection  ;  but  all 
such  attempts  are  vain.  They  may  as  easily  restrain  the  dawning  of  the  day 
as  suppress  the  sjjreading  of  the  Gospel  when  the  liOrd  is  pleased  to  raise  up  fi'l 
instruments  to  |)romote  it,  and  to  vouchsafe  a  season  of  refreshment  from  hi- 
jiresence.  Tlien  its  influence  cannot  be  restrained,  a  spark  becomes  a  dame,  a 
little  one  a  multitude,  and  ojjpo^ition  only  makes  tlic  efTects  more  visible  and 
noticed. 


Chap.    1.]  ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY.  303 

of  the  whole,  which  was  intrusted  to  the  care  of  the  apostles.  This 
is  recorded  as  an  instance  of  the  benevolent  and  disinterested  spirit 
with  which  the  Gospel  inspired  them  ;  but  is  not  enjoined  as  a 
precedent  to  be  universally  observed,  since  we  have  many  proofs 
that  the  usual  distinctions  in  civil  life  were  retained  in  other 
churches  planted  by  the  apostles  ;  and  it  soon  gave  occasion  to 
discover,  that  in  the  best  societies  there  may  be  found  some  un- 
worthy intruders,  and  that  very  specious  actions  may  be  perform- 
ed from  base  and  dishonourable  motives.  Even  under  this  rich- 
est dispensation  of  grace,  there  were  some  professors  influenced 
by  no  higher  motives  than  hypocrisy  and  vain  glory.  *Ananias, 
with  his  wife  Sapphira,  attempted  to  impose  on  the  apostles  by  a 
concerted  lie,  and  would  have  had  the  praise  of  giving  their 
whole  substance,  when  their  avarice  would  only  permit  them  to 
spare  a  part.  As  a  warning  to  all  pretenders  who  seek  to  join 
or  serve  the  church  from  sordid  and  selfish  views,  Peter,  by  the 
direction  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  denounced  a  severe  sentence  against 
this  unhappy  pair,  and  they  both  fell  deadf  at  his  feet.  The  cause 
and  suddenness  of  their  death  was  a  vindication  of  the  apostle's 
integrity  and  authority,  and  a  seasonable  admonition  to  others,  to 
deter  any  from  attempting  to  associate  with  the  disciples  who  were 
not  in  heart  devoted  to  the  Lord. 

The  numbers  of  the  believers  still  increased,  and  the  report  of 
the  apostle's  doctrine  and  miracles  extended  from  Jerusalem  to 
the  adjacent  parts.  The  priests  and  Sadducees,  therefore,  soon 
renewed  their  eflbrts  to  suppress  them  :  they  apprehended  the 
apostles  again,  and  put  them  in  the  common  prison  as  malefac- 
tors ;  but  the  Lord,  to  confirm  the  faith  and  courage  of  his  peo- 
ple, and  to  show  how  easily  he  can  protect  those  who  serve  him, 
delivered  them  the  same  night  by  his  angel.  In  the  morning, 
when  their  enemies  were  met,  and  commanded  them  to  be 
brought  to  the  tribunal,  they  were  surprised  to  hear  that  the 
prison  doors  were  found  secure,  and  the  prisoners  all  escaped. 
They  were,  however,  soon  informed  that  they  were  not  gone  far, 
but  were  preaching  boldly  to  the  people,  (as  the  angel  had  di- 
rected them,)  regardless  of  their  adversaries'  designs  against 
them.  They  were  alarmed  at  this  notice,  and  began  to  be  ap- 
prehensive of  the  event;|  yet  hurried  on  by  their  enmity  to  Jesus 

*Acts  V. 

f  The  ap)stolic  censures  were  not  like  the  papal  anathemas,  hnita  fidinina,, 
words  without  effect ;  they  were  accomplished  in  an  instant.    See  Acts  xiii.  11. 

J  Acts  V.  ii4.  It  is  not  only  a  fruitless,  but  a  very  uneasy  undertaking,  to  fight 
against  the  truth  and  those  who  profess  it.  The  boldest  and  wisest  champions 
in  this  desperate  cause  are  often  brought  to  tlieir  wits  ends,  and  to  foresee  their 
own  disappointment. 


3Q4  A   REVIEW    OF  [Book  2. 

and  his  Gospel,  fhey  once  more  sent  their  officers  to  take  them, 
which  they  attempted  in  the  mildest  manner  possible ;  for,  as  the 
prosecution  was  groundless  and  malicious,  they  were  not  without 
fear  lest  the  multitude  should  interpose ;  but  they  had  to  do  with 
the  followers  of  Jesus,  who  would  countenance  no  tumult  in  their 
own  favour,  and  were  neither  afraid  nor  ashamed  to  confess  his 
name  in  the  face  of  danger.  Tiie  apostles,  therefore,  peaceably 
yielded  themselves,  and  being  brought  before  the  council,  were 
severely  questioned  for  disregarding  the  late  prohibition  they  had 
received.  Peter  and  the  rest  answered  with  their  usual  firmness ;